REPORTERS’ NOTEBOOK

Many liked the idea of holding the Liberation Day parade in the afternoon as it was not too hot. It was the first time in many years that there was no rain during the parade. A drizzle occurred at 4:40pm but it lasted less than two minutes. (Ferdie de la Torre)

Some people watched an aerial view of the parade, courtesy of a few drone enthusiasts. It was a first time in the annual parade in the CNMI where more people used drones to get a different angle of the event. (Ferdie de la Torre)

As it was not too humid, many people were more relaxed and enjoyed viewing the parade. By 5pm, more people came to Beach Road to witness the annual event. (Ferdie de la Torre)

Football is getting more popular in the CNMI every year. The annual Liberation Day parade was proof of that. Every year, more young football players and supporters participate in the parade. (Ferdie de la Torre)

A giant float resembling a lizard by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs amazed the crowd, which spilled into the parade route. (Saipan Tribune)

The main stage was filled with CNMI dignitaries that included Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Lt. Gov. Victor Hocog, Saipan Mayor David Apatang, Rep. Angel Demapan (R-Saipan), and Sen. Steve Mesngon (R-Rota). People surrounded the stage, occupying both sides of Beach Road, across Kristo Rai Church. (Erwin Encinares)

Children doing a Kyokushin karate exhibition wowed the crowd with their skills. (Erwin Encinares)

The sunny afternoon was greeted with a light shower—nothing too serious. If anything, it seemed as if the crowd welcomed the light shower. (Erwin Encinares)

Heavy-duty trucks were used by about three to four floats. People riding in the passenger seat seemed to have a great time waving to the dignitaries on the stage. A lot of the competitors of the float parade offered gifts to Gov. Ralph DLG Torres. Fruit baskets were dominant, while McDonald’s Saipan gave away gift cards, Coca-Cola Micronesia gave away beverage bundles and ice cream, as well as many other stuff. (Erwin Encinares)

A car club that boasts custom four-wheel drive vehicles, 4x4holics, impressed the crowd with their car-show quality trucks and vehicles. Some were even repurposed old cars. Some vehicles had mud, proving that the vehicles weren’t just for show. (Erwin Encinares)

A flyby by the B1B Lancer supersonic plane from Guam after the national anthems were sang was an amazing display of coordination and cooperation of the people behind the organization of the Liberation Parade this year (Bea Cabrera)

People were so warm and friendly, willing to offer a seat or a drink of cold water under the heat. (Bea Cabrera)

Presentations of every float were supposed to last five minutes only but some exceeded that, hence the delay of the many floats behind. (Bea Cabrera)

It was a family day. Lots of families brought tents and an array of food to celebrate. (Bea Cabrera)

The giant monitor lizard float was named by the many children Boboy. Parker Yobei, executive director of Commonwealth Arts Council, said they can name the lizard whatever they want. (Bea Cabrera)

People were respectful of police lines and boundaries; that’s why it was not chaotic or rowdy on the road where the parade was. (Bea Cabrera)