You can take the CHamorus away from Guam, but you can’t take Guam away from the CHamorus. From Hawaii to Florida, CHamorus and others from Guam are setting up canopies, manning the barbecuel, passing around chesa and swapping stories of home as they celebrate Liberation Day.
On Oahu, Francis Garrido and his fiancee, Roselynn Lizama, of Jebasina’s Kusinan Chamoru food truck are working with his softball team, the Bulacheros, to throw a 78th Guam Liberation potluck at Campbell Industrial Park in Kapolei.
“Some people want to make potato salad or bring water or drinks,” Garrido said. “But there’s gonna be no charge. If no one even donates food, we’re building the money to buy all the food and drinks to feed everybody.”
They expect about 500 people to come, and in addition to food, they’ll have raffle prizes. They’re accepting donations of raffle prizes, as well as cash to help fund the event. But even if you don’t bring anything or donate, you’re still welcome to join the celebration, they said.
“We’re doing it for everyone to just come get together, eat some good food, relax and meet CHamorus you know,” Garrido said. “And celebrate Guam,” Lizama added.
For more information, contact Garrido at 808-542-9788 or Lizama at 808-542-0090, or follow Jebasina’s Kusinan CHamoru on Facebook @JebaSinasKusinanChamoru.
Below is a list of other upcoming celebrations beyond Guam that were published on social information with information about the event as well as who to contact.
If you know of an event, we will be updating our online listing through July 20, and you can send information to life@guampdn.com.
California
San Diego, July 9: The Sons & Daughters of Guam Club will host an event 5-10 p.m. at the club’s pavilion at 334 Willie James Jones Ave. There will be a buffet style dinner and entertainment by The Coconut Mix Band. Tickets are $40 for club members, $45 for nonmembers. RSVP to LeeAnn Cruz at 205-332-9297 or leeannc47@gmail.com. For updates, go to the club’s Facebook page @GuamClub.Org.
San Francisco, July 17: CHamoru restaurant Prubechu is sponsoring a Liberation Day Carnival at 2 p.m. with live music by Jason J and others, a cultural dance presentation by Kutturan Chamoru Foundation, and carnival games. General admission is $80, VIP reserved seating is $130. Admission includes a welcome beverage, fiesta bowl and raffle ticket. For information go to prubechu.com.
Buena Park, Aug. 6: The Chamorro Cooking Channel is co-sponsoring a potluck event with food, entertainment, games, and raffle from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at William Peak Park. Bring your canopy and chairs. For more information including how to donate or help, go to the Facebook page @thechamorocookingchannel.
Florida
Orange Park, July 9: We Are the Marianas celebration of Guam and the Commonweath of the Northern Marianas will take place 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Orange Park Lions Club at 423 McIntosh Ave. Red rice and barbecue ribs will be provided; all other food, desserts and drinks would be appreciated at this potluck event. Music will be provided by a DJ. For information, contact George Aguigui via text or WhatsApp at 904-208-0091 or email georgeaguigui@bellsouth.net.
Indiana
Noblesville, July 16: A free potluck event will be taking place at 654 S. Ninth St. from 3-8 p.m. Sodas and alcohol will be offered for sale. For more information contact Rose Blas at 317-658-8455.
Ohio
Delaware, July 17: Tricia Borja Lawson and Christy Lawson have organized a potluck picnic at Blue Limestone Park that will include music, games, contests, raffle drawings, vendors and barbecue. For information, go to the Facebook event at bit.ly/3NvOZ5k.
North Carolina
Fort Bragg, July 23: The Marianas Chamorro Association is holding a liberation event noon-5 p.m. at Smith Lake Recreational Area Building Q-2922. For more information contact Rosita Hoffman at 910-257-8542.
Texas
Cypress, July 9: The 78th Annual Guam Liberation Houston will be celebrated noon-6 p.m. at the VFW 8905 at 21902 Northwest Freeway . Admission is free. There will be raffle prizes, live entertainment, a potluck fiesta, vendors and more. For information contention contact Anitra Riveracolon (general, entertainment) 559-740-6112; Jenny Linton (food, hotel) 832-665-1699.
Grapevine, July 16: From noon-6 p.m. join the Dallas-Forth Worth community celebrating Guam’s 78th Liberation at this free event with live entertainment at the Trawick Pavilion at Oak Grove Park. Potluck style, bring your chairs, coolers, and canopy. For more more information, contact Leticia Duenas at 469-515-3888.
Copperas Cove, July 23: The Chamorro Association of Central Texas is hosting a potluck event 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at Ogletree Gap Park. For more information, contact Frank Tyquiengco Jr., 254-220-6733.
