An Independence floral float parade from Vaisigano Bridge to the Government Building was the highlight on Friday to wrap up the week-long anniversary celebration. 

Participants as well as organisations that were involved in the week-long celebrations were also presented prizes and awards by the Independence Organising Committee.

People gathered in front of the Government Building along Beach Road early Friday morning before the start of a presentation ceremony organised by Government officials.

Individuals and organisations that were recognised including participants in traditional games, the performers of the traditional dance from Mauluulu, string bands, community beautification projects as well as participants in the independence floral floats that paraded on Friday morning. 

The winners of the Mauluulu were the Return to Paradise youth, the winners of the string band competition was the Maeva band from Matautu Lefaga and the winners of the traditional games was the Komiti Tina of Lalomauga. 

The floral independence parade winners were the Komiti Tina Falelauvao while the best village decorations went to Tufuiopa and Tiavea in Upolu and Tapueleele from Savai'i. 

Puiai Manono also received a prize for the Apolima/Manono category and the best overall award went to Tiavea, Aleipata.

Samoa Government leaders in attendance at the presentation ceremony on Friday morning included the Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and his Masiofo, Her Highness Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano as well as Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and Members of the Parliament. 

Fiame congratulated all the participants of the events and had much to say on the commemoration of Samoa's 60th Independence anniversary. 

"The celebrations this week epitomized the spirit of the year-long commemoration of our 60 Years of Independence and theme ‘to sail with faith’," the Prime Minister said. 

"Once again, I acknowledge with appreciation the support, participation and contribution of our people, districts and villages, churches, the private sector and business community, Government Ministries and Corporations in this week’s events."

The eight Vodafone Miss Samoa contestants also joined the parade and used the opportunity to woo more supporters with their respective floats, which were all decked out in different styles as they showcased their siva Samoa skills and giving out candy to all the onlookers.

The current reigning Miss Samoa Fonoifafo McFarland-Seumanu led the parade with the Cruiserweight World Champion Jai Opetaia also joined the float with his world title belt slung over his shoulder.

The ceremony also acknowledged the achievements of Samoan athletes who represented Samoa at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham two months. 

They proudly held and waved the country's flag and the medals that some of them brought in the sports of weightlifting and boxing.