Close to 2,000 young people from different youth groups and organizations around the island will gather for a parade this Friday when the Territory celebrates the 4th of July—America's Independence Day.

It promises to be a day full of festivities in celebration of Youth Month— the month of July. Friday’s festivities will be sponsored by the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA) and Bluesky Communications.

“July is Youth Month and on July 4 we will be having different activities going on throughout the day. July 4 is our main day and we'll start the day off at 6:30 a.m. We are looking at about 2,000 youth from different youth groups around the island for a parade that will start at the Ocean Center and go to the Su’igaula Beach Park,” said Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA) Deputy Director Tapumanaia Galu Satele Jr.

He said that there will be games and a variety of activities throughout the day — various departments that provide services for youth will set up booths.

“We are partnering up with the 4-H Program and the Summer Youth Employment Program, who will be out there as well. Friday will end with a fireworks display sponsored by the DYWA and Bluesky."

"Next week, we're having a kickball tournament beginning, Monday July 7, with every Tuesday and Thursday being the days of competition for the teams that have registered,” he said.

On July 10, there will be something different—an A Cappella singing competition for small groups and " if you have a group interested, you can register with the DYWA by 633-2835."

The following week will be the Manu’a Flag Day and DYWA will be heading over there to participate in activities including a Farm Fair. “We will also be doing a talent competition in Manu’a called ‘Manu’a Got Talent’ that will be sponsored by ASTCA. This is not just a singing competition, but a talent competition with anyone showcasing any kind of talent that they have,” he explained.

Look for the calendar of events in Samoa News for the activities planned for Youth Month.