The 82nd Guam Liberation is fast approaching and the Mayors’ Council of Guam is already planning ahead.

During their March meeting, mayors discussed organizing a carnival to complement Liberation Day events, with the parade still being coordinated by the Governor’s Office.

Mayors will also continue leading their own village celebrations and memorials, while Yoña Mayor BJ Terlaje heads the Liberation Queens Committee.

Mayors’ Council President Jesse Alig says a centralized event could help bring the community together.

“Now, the last part of liberation, or the other part of liberation, that we need to consider is that there’s typically a carnival,” said Alig.

The proposal to hire an event manager and host a two-day festival in Hagåtña aims to create a shared space celebrating CHamoru culture and Guam’s history.

But not all mayors were fully on board during the council’s March meeting.

Sinajana Mayor Robert Hofmann raised concerns about costs, expected rainfall on Liberation Day, and declining attendance in recent years.

“I’ve seen attendance not the best in the last year or so because for some people it's gotten expensive,” said Hofmann.

He also pointed to an already crowded Liberation Week calendar, questioning whether vendors and the community can keep up.

“There’s a mini carnival in August. And so you’re going to have all these factors going into this about supply, demand, prizes, games, what needs to be done,” added Hofmann.

Still, Yoña Mayor BJ Terlaje says success will depend on every village contributing equally.

“If one village is going to give 50% then every village should give 50%. If one village is going to give 100%, then every village should give 100%...For the sake of the name of the Mayors’ Council of Guam,” said

Despite those concerns, the council moved forward.

At their April meeting, mayors voted to approve a two-day liberation carnival, projected for July 20 and July 21 in the island’s capitol.

“Any other discussion on the motion? All in favor please say ‘aye’. All opposed please say ‘nay’. Motion carries, thank you,” said Alig.

Final details, including the exact location, are still being organized, but for residents, the goal is clear: A larger, more unified celebration of Guam’s Liberation.