SECOND ERAP SHOW ENDS ON A HIGH
By Vicky BAUNKE
THE 2nd Middle Erap Cultural Show was hosted again this year at the Tinibe village in the Erap Local Level Government of Nawaeb District, Morobe Province last weekend (5-6th).
The two day event was officially opened by Nawaeb MP Theo Pelgen and Nawaeb district coffee manager Joshua Menos at the Tinibe Primary School field witness by delegates from Nawaeb district, Erap people, business houses and other invited guests.
The two days show has attracted more than 3000 people coming from the nine wards in the Erap from lower, middle and upper to see their own arts and cultures.
The event is fully funded by the Nawaeb District Development Authority under the leadership of MP Pelgen with a sponsorship of K60, 000 this year.
Middle Erap Cultural Show committee Chairman John Dige said the show is an initiative of youths in Erap following their local MPs vision on tourism and they hosted the first show last year with funding support of K50, 000 from Nawaeb DDA.
Mr Dige thanked Mr Pelgen for supporting this year’s again despite misused and misappropriation of funds by last year show committee chairperson.
He said the K60, 000 funding given was used to pay outstanding of last year’s show including expenses of hosting this year’s show.
He said the thene for this year’s show was “We stand to expose Erap Arts and Culture” with the focus to revive the unique cultures and traditions to preserve it for the next generations to know, learn, practice and appreciate the Erap’s people true identity and culture before it’s too late.
Mr Digge said he was pleased with this year’s turnout which included participation from traditional singsing groups, bamboo bands, local food cooking, paintings, horse race, live bands and other show activities.
Nawaeb MP Theo Pelgen was very impressed with the outcome of the show and pledge an additional K20, 000 bringing the total annual show sponsorship to K80, 000.
Mr Pelgen said it is with deep humility and great joy to stand to be part of the show adding that their culture is alive and it lives in their languages, traditions, songs and stories.
He reminded the Erap people that they are the guardians of their heritage that is both ancient and powerful, in an age that is changing very fast and creating and upholding the deep connection is essential.
He thanked everyone that participated in one way or the other to make this year’s show happen and reminded all that true strength is not found in wealth or power, but in identity, in unity and in love for one another.
Mr Pelgen appealed to the young people of Erap to preserve their traditions and cultures adding that they are the next storytellers, leaders and protectors of this land.
He said they must learn from their elders, speak their languages and never forget that their culture is not something old, but something worth living, beautiful and worth celebrating.
