Marianas Beer & BBQ Festival commemorative mugs in

MVA Community Projects specialist Valencia Tenorio, left, and Lynn Sablan display commemorative mugs that are included in the $25 entry fee for the Marianas Beer & BBQ Festival on Nov. 4, 2017, at Garapan Fishing Base. The festival is the newest signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority. (MVA)

Commemorative mugs are in for the Marianas Beer & BBQ Festival on Nov. 4, 2017.

The mugs are included in the event’s $25 entry fee. The festival is scheduled from 5pm to 11pm and will be open to adults age 21 and older (21 is the legal drinking age in the Marianas).

“Tourists are always looking for fun activities to do when visiting a destination. Many of us have traveled around the world and have attended huge beer and wine festivals and all have been enjoyable,” said Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Christopher A. Concepcion.

He pointed out that Germany is famous for Oktoberfest, Kentucky is famous for their bourbon festivals, Spain and France are known for their many wine and champagne festivals, and Mexico and the Caribbean are renowned for their tequila and rum festivals.

“We want to bring these types of international events to the Marianas with our first ever beer and wine festival with a focus on local brews produced by Saipan Brewing Co. and other craft beers available from other local distributors,” said Concepcion.

Taiwan’s famous Fourplay Bar will also debut exclusive beer cocktails themed after each main island in the Marianas: Saipan Blue, Tinian Red, and Rota Green.

“The people of the CNMI know that if it’s an MVA signature event, it’ll be lots of fun, so we invite everyone to join us on Nov. 4,” said Concepcion.

The entry fee also includes two beer or wine samples, three wine full servings, one free chaser, and a commemorative silicone wristband.

Slated to participate are Saipan Brewing Co., which manufactures the only locally brewed beer in the Marianas, as well as six companies that distribute craft beers: Pacific Trading Co., MARPAC, Franken Brau, Westco, I Love Saipan, and Samcorp Import.

Joeten Enterprises, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC, and Skywalker Communications have all stepped forward as major sponsors of the event. Sponsorship levels are Platinum ($3,000), Gold ($2,000), Silver ($1,000), and Bronze ($500).

Marvin Guerrero, James Selepeo, Uprooted, Tom Basa and Mango Session will add flavor to the festival, which will pair Marianas brews with island-style barbecue and other appetizers beside the Saipan lagoon at Garapan Fishing Base.

Joining the event as food sponsors are Holy Smoke, The Hut, I Love Saipan Mannge’ BBQ, and Aiko’s. Outside alcohol and food is not allowed.

For more information or a sponsorship package, contact Community Projects specialist Ray Villagomez of the MVA at 664-3200/1 or rvillagomez@mymarianas.com. (MVA)