The 29th Teuila Festival ended on a high note at the Malaefatu National Park and Reserve, in Sogi, on Friday morning. 

Amidst the hype, excitement and drizzling rain, prizes were awarded to best traditional dances, fire knife competitors, string band and the many more competitions that took place in the week-long festival.

Minister of Tourism, Sala Fata Pinati, officially drew the curtains on the Teuila Festival 2019, saying it was indeed a treat for both locals and visitors.

"We have arrived to the conclusion of the week long 2019 Teuila Festival," he said. 

"It cultivates our beautiful Samoa and offering of cultural performances, spiritual exhibitions, hospitality offerings and expeditions, arts and creativity, food tasting and handicrafts displays.

"Indeed our visitors and locals were treated to what our tourism industry can offer and its future potential. I sincerely hope you have enjoyed this year’s festivities and looking forward to next year’s 30^th anniversary."

In his closing speech, he acknowledged the outgoing Miss Samoa, Sonia Piva, who has been an ambassador for Samoa's tourism and beauty in the past year and wished the nine contestants.

"May I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the current Miss Samoa, Miss Sonia Piva for serving Samoa during her reign, thank you Sonia."

The Teuila Festival promised and delivered multiple fun, games and competitions for all ages throughout the week. 

Sala acknowledged everyone who partook in the celebrations, and encouraged the public to engage in the the remaining events, including the Miss Samoa pageant on Saturday and the Teuila concert in the evening.

"Lastly I acknowledge and congratulate all who participated and completed during the Teuila Festival both locally and abroad," he said.

"Fa’afetai to all our sponsors, without your assistance and participation, we would not be able to host this year’s festival, fa’afetai.

"May you all enjoy tonight’s planned Teuila concert and the Miss Samoa pageant tomorrow. 

"I now offially close the Teuila Festival, fa’afetai."

Festival prizes:

Cricket: 1^st Tanugamanono, 2^nd Leauva’a, 3^rd E.F.K.S. Vailele

Siva Ailaoafi: 1^st Jack Tai Laban, 2^nd Walter Alema, 3^rd Ieti To’omalatai.

Handicraft competition: 1^st Vavau Youth, 2^nd Amosa Feaua’i, 3^rd Suaesi Alai’a

Teuila Cocktail Competition: 1^st Semisi Schwenke (Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort), 2^nd Albert Schimidt (Aga Reef Resort), 3^rd Laulua Laulu (Orator Hotel)

Food Carving Competition: 1^st Michael Mika (Hotel Millenia), 2^nd Si’uamoa Iuta (Falealupo Beach Fale) 3^rd Tea Christian Ulberg (Namu’a Island Beach Fales)

Food and Craft Stalls –

Food and Safety compliant: 1^st Joe Sa’ena Pioneer BBQ

Fire and Safety compliant: 1^st S.I.S.D.A.C. Lauli’i

Best Decorated Food Stall:  1^st S.I.S.D.A.C. Lauli’i

Best Decorated Handicraft Store: Leulumoega School of Fine Arts

Floral Arrangement competition: 1^st Falefitu Esera

String Band Competition: 1^st Sinalei String Band (Maninoa Siumu), 2^nd Maeva Band (Matautu Lefaga), 3^rd Coconut String Band (Siumu)

Best float vehicle: 1^st Teine ole Vineula (Apia), 2^nd Tama ole Mau (Vaimoso), 3^rd Laauli male Aumaga Malie.