With less thana week left until the Liberation Day Parade, some mayors said costs are too high, so they won't enter a float for this year'sfestivities.
"Funding is always an issue," said Chalan Pago-Ordot Mayor Jessy C. Gogue.
Gogue said a sheet of plywood costs around $32. About 13 to 14 sheets go to the trailer of the float, which acts as the base of support. Overall, materials could cost from $3,500 up to $5,000, he said.
After weighingcosts andbalancing fiscal responsibilities, the village won't be constructing a float this year, Gogue said.
As of July 13, there were more than50 participants signed up for the parade.Savares said late submissions were accepted after the July 6 deadline and that there still are groups calling in, asking for a spot in the parade.
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On top of floats, residents can expect local car and motorcycleclubs, a flyover of a B-52 from Andersen Air Force Base, private andnonprofit organizations, and government agencies.
Prizes for winning floats are still being determined, said Agana Heights Mayor Paul M. McDonald.
Better use for funds
Mongmong-Toto-Maite Mayor Rudy A. Paco said the money it would cost to build a float for the parade would be better used to assistthe community, and on village improvements thatlast forever.
Paco said while there won't befloat this year, Mongmong-Toto-Maite islooking to build and enter a float fornext year's Liberation Day.
Robert Hofmann, mayor of Sinajaña, said it's costly and time consuming to put a float together and that his village wouldn't be entering a float. But Sinajana representativeswill assistas it always has to help the parade progress smoothly.
Hofmann said money is better spent oninvesting community activities likesports andsummer camp programs than on a parade float.
Asain-Maina MayorFrankie A. Salas, said heand his planning council decided not to build and enter a floatthis year. Instead, they are concentrating on other village activities, such as the upcoming Asan Landing Memorial ceremonyheld July 14.
Salas said lack of materials and funding is another reasonwhy they decided not to construct a float this year. He said his officewould be in attendance at the parade, helping his colleagues.
Dededo Mayor Melissa B. Savares said preparing a float costs money and manpower. For previous parades, her staff went almost two weeks without sleep while constructing floats.Andshe said there aren't enough volunteers.
She also said there's no moneyto spendfor resources or basic reinforcement for a float, on top of expenses needed to take care of volunteers during the parade. Savares said her officewould be guiding parade participants.
According to the Hagåtña Mayor's Office, the village hasn't built a float in awhile. They alsowill assist with policing the parade. And theUmatac Mayor's Office saidbecause the lack of an available trailer, the village won't be constructing a float.
Other village mayor's offices not constructing a float this year are Inarajan, Merizoand Yigo.
Continuing tradition
There are some mayorsbuilding floats for this the Liberation Day Parade.
Barrigada Mayor June U.Blas said the villageconstructs and enters a float every year regardless of the weather or funding. She said while the construction of a float is costly, they were able to defray some of the costs through recycling andnonprofit partnerships.
Blas said the village float is being made with recycled materials from last year's float. She said residentsvolunteer with floatdesignsandalso donate food and otherresources.
The Santa Rita Mayor's office didn'tenter a float last year but will for this year's parade. At one point, according to the mayor's office, the village float won eight consecutive times and they're happy tobe back in the parade.
A dedicated and motivated team has been buildingthe float every night for about a month, according to the mayor's office. The village also go help from private partnerships and donations from the community. And the float is made with all natural resources, from flowers and bamboo.
Mangilao Mayor Allan Ungacta said the village will keep with tradition and build a float for this year's parade. He said he asks residents, construction companies and others todonate lumber, flowers and othernatural resources.
"Residents are more than glad to help," Ungacta said.
It's a collaborative effort of the community andalso about being resourceful, he said.
Louise C. Rivera, mayor ofTamuning-Tumon-Harmon, said the villagewill be working with volunteersday and night to get a float ready in time for the parade. Materials were mostly acquired through donations, she said.
Other villages that will have a float in the this year's parade are Agana Heights, Agat, Piti, Talofofo and Yona.
Liberation raffle
Liberation Day raffle tickets will still be on sale through July 29, when tickets will be drawnat 6 p.m. at the Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon Mayor's Office. Thegrand prize is $10,000, with a baby grand prize of$5,000.
