Håfa Adai and Tirow,

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We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported and attended the first-ever Marianas Festival in the Pacific Northwest. Your presence made this event extraordinary, and we are deeply grateful for the love and energy you brought to this celebration of our culture.

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As we look to the future, it’s important to recognize that an event of this scale requires significant financial resources and involves both anticipated and unanticipated stressors. To ensure the sustainability of the Marianas Festival, we will implement necessary changes to support its continued growth and success. We appreciate your cooperation as we work together to make next year’s festival even more memorable.

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We acknowledge that there were a few challenges, from food availability to stage and sound production. Like any new event, there is always a learning curve. We have identified these challenges and heard the concerns of our vendors and attendees. We also want to thank everyone for their patience and grace as we worked through these initial hurdles.

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Next year, we plan to make several improvements:

• Food: We understand that the biggest concern was the lack of food for everyone. Several factors contributed to this, including last-minute cancellations from a few food vendors due to unforeseen circumstances, as well as an unfortunate incident beyond anyone’s control. Additionally, being our first year, many vendors were uncertain about how much food to prepare. We supported their decision to run out of food rather than waste it, but now we know what to expect. Next year, we will be better prepared. We are already in discussions with vendors, and I’m excited to share that eight food vendors have committed to serving hot food at the next festival. Our goal is to have an abundance of options, and we will ensure the selection process remains competitive to maintain quality while supporting our local vendors. We will also enforce rules regarding outside BBQs and potlucks, and we appreciate those who respected this request this year.

• Extended Festival Days: The festival will expand into a three-day event, with three full days of festivities.

• Improved Schedule: Our lineup will be thoughtfully spread out, giving each entertainer their full time on stage.

• Vendor Internet Access: We will provide internet access for vendors to enhance their operations.

• Vendor Etiquette: We received a lot of feedback from vendors, with concerns about shared canopies, larger canopies, generator placement, and vendors serving during the opening ceremony. We’ve heard you, and we will ensure these issues are addressed in our terms and conditions.

• Reserved Parking: Vendor and entertainer parking will be reserved for one vehicle per vendor/entertainer, with a car attendant guiding vehicles.

• Setup Efficiency: Vendors will be able to set up the night before, ensuring everything is ready when doors open. Overnight security will be provided.

• Upgraded Infrastructure: Both the sound system and stage will be upgraded for a better experience for all attendees.

• VIP Booth: The VIP booth will be front and center for optimal stage viewing.

• Opening Ceremony Policy: There will be a strict no-selling and quiet policy during the opening ceremony.

• Enhanced Booth Locations: The raffle, information booths, resource booths, and beer garden will be more conveniently located.

• ATM Availability: An ATM will be available on-site for added convenience.

 

Most importantly, we will continue to champion diversity and inclusivity, inviting everyone from the Marianas and the local community to join us in celebrating our rich culture. MAGI’s mission is to celebrate and preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Chamoru/Chamorro and Refaluwasch/Carolinian populations across the Mariana Islands, while promoting unity, empowerment, and education. Our goal is to showcase the customs, traditions, arts, and crafts of the Mariana Islands, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our cultural identity. Through cultural events, performances, workshops, and educational programs, we aim to pass down our traditions to future generations and create a sense of pride and belonging within the Marianas community. In addition to providing economic opportunities, we strive to enrich the lives of local artisans, performers, and businesses, contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of our community.

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Call for Participation:

• Workshops: We will be adding more classes to the workshop offerings to cater to a wider range of interests. If you are interested in hosting a workshop, please reach out to us.

• Performers: If you or anyone you know is interested in sharing dance, music, or culture at the next Marianas Festival, please apply on our website in January 2025. Please note that this is all on a volunteer basis, and slots are extremely limited.

• Vendors: Vendors may apply on our website starting February 1, 2025. Vending slots are also extremely limited. We will vet vendors to ensure variety, and the process will be on a first-come, first-served basis. No late entries will be accepted, and no booth sharing will be allowed unless approved through our terms and agreements.

• Roundtable Discussion: Please keep an eye out for an upcoming roundtable discussion, where we will invite members of the Chamorro and Carolinian communities to sit down with us to discuss how we can improve, heal, and grow together.

 

We are committed to making next year’s festival even better and stronger, ensuring that the legacy of our culture continues to thrive in the Pacific Northwest for generations to come.

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Si Yu'us Ma'åse',
The Marianas Alliance for Growth of Islanders (MAGI)