October 17 – 19 :: Mark Your Calendar

Guam preparing for the biggest cultural event of the year
Friday, August 22, 2008
Travel News Daily

Guam’s largest cultural fair, hosted by the Guam Visitors Bureau, is being planned with an eye to this year’s theme, Celebrating Our Seafaring Traditions. The Guam Micronesia Island Fair, in its 21st year, is a celebration of the island cultures, arts, and performances of the entire Micronesia region. Seafaring traditions are the focal point of this year’s fair and the master canoe builders of Micronesia will gather to showcase their art in tribute of 2008 being the Year of the Proa, the local word for the handcrafted seagoing canoes of Guam and Micronesia.

The 21st Guam Micronesia Island Fair will be held at Guam’s Ypao Beach Park from October 17 – 19 and like past fairs, will welcome representatives from all parts of Micronesia. Currently, the islands of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (Saipan, Rota, and Tinian) will participate along with the Federated States of Micronesia (Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae), the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and of course, the host of the fair, Guam USA.

The Guam Micronesia Island Fair will feature cultural performances, exhibits of traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, many products from Guam and Micronesia that will be available for purchase, a traditional Chamorro Hut display, and a botanical garden. A display of traditional outrigger canoes will be displayed, courtesy of Project Proa and TASI – Traditions About Seafaring Islands. TASI will also be giving rides on a real proa. Local produce and livestock will be exhibited and there will be plenty of activities to keep children entertained. Food and drink booths, many featuring authentic Micronesian cuisine, will insure tummies stay happy and full during the Guam Micronesia Island Fair.

Two other signature events will occur during the weekend of the 21st Guam Micronesia Island Fair. The 10th Annual Micronesia Cup (Outrigger Canoe Races) will take place over the weekend and on Sunday, runners from around the world will participate in the 3rd Guam Ko’ko’ Road Race, also sponsored by GVB. An exciting feature of the Guam Ko’ko’ Road Race is the live cultural entertainment that takes place along the streets of the race course and the many local spectators that come out to cheer the runners on.

Note: Micronesian crafts usually have a good selection -- early on the first day of the Fair. Some items are one of a kind only, so smart shoppers will visit the island booths first.