Sagay City Christmas Fair opens

Hundreds of Sagaynons joined at the annual opening of the Sagay Christmas Fair that was held for the first time at the New Government Center, Brgy. Rizal Bacolod City on Dec. 12.

Mayor Alfredo Marañon III led Sagaynons in the traditional Christmas Fair and Switch on Ceremony. In his message, he said that may this Christmas be a reminder for everyone to repent for all our sins and misgivings, empty our hearts of hatred and anger and fill it with kindness and love for our fellowmen.

“Let us rejoice and be glad as we prepare for the coming of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ… Let us thank God for His the greatest gift to humankind: the gift of a Savior,” said, adding “Jesus Christ is the reason for this season.  Christmas after all is hope, joy and love.”

The theme of this year’s Christmas Fair is “The Best Gift”.

For the first time, the Opening Ceremonies for Christmas Fair was held at the New government Center since the City Public Plaza is undergoing a major renovation, project funded by the Department of Budget and Management.

Kicking off the event, the city’s major thoroughfare was alive and colorful with about 500 teachers, students, city and barangay heads participating in the Christmas Lantern Parade Contest 2019 led by DepEd Division of Sagay City.

Second District Rep. Leo Rafael Cueva in his video message urged the Sagaynons to keep the peace and goodwill among our fellowmen as he expressed his season’s greetings.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa, Jr. said let us draw inspiration from our Lord Jesus Christ for infinite love and goodness to all of us so we can sustain to give effective and prompt services to our people.

The program was also highlighted with the singing of “He is the Gift” by Aira Shane Peras, 2019 Voice Idol of Sagay-Teens Champion with Sagay National High School Special Program in the Arts choir and Sinigayan Kahoneros.

Ecumenical Prayer Service led by Sagay Ministers for Ecumenical Endeavor, Inc., Arena Showdown, and Christmas Belen and Arch competitions were also conducted later in the evening.

The event was capped through a 20-minute fireworks display sponsored by the Lopez Sugar Corporation.

Nightly presentations from December 13 to 22 by the teachers and students of identified schools will also conducted at the City Gymnasium.

Meanwhile, the closing program and awarding ceremony will be held at the New Government Center on Dec. 23.

On New Year’s Eve at 10:30 p.m., there will be a Fireworks Display at the New Government Center sponsored by Sagay Water District.