Thousands of people coming from different towns in Tarlac and Nueva Ecija came to partake in the festivities of the Paniqui Town Fiesta 2009.Themed "Pinagbigkis ng Bayan, Sama-Sama sa Isang Adhikain Tungo sa Matayog at Makabagong Bayan ng Paniqui.”, this years town fiesta is one of the highly anticipated celebrations in Tarlac.

This 2009 celebration topped last years in terms of attendance as thousands filled up the town plaza last March 22 to watch the Variety Show. As one observer put in, "Sa tagal ko pong nagpupunta sa ating kapistahan, ngayon ko lang po naranasan ung ganitong kasaya at kabonggang selebrasyon ng ating pista.  Sobrang daming tao at napakasaya ang atmosphere”."The crowd was too big for the town plaza itself that you can't help but ask where did all these people come from?" Mayor Dors Rivilla said.

The fiesta celebrations kicked-off with the Search for Bb. Paniqui 2009 last March 07 dubbed by many as the best local beauty pageant and local production they have witnessed in years.  Bb. Kaila Quirante of Barangay Poblacion Sur won the crown.  Other activities were the Folk Dance Festival, Agro-Industrial Fair, SMB Paniqui Night, PaligsAwit 09, Cooking Festival, Balikbayan Night and Coronation Night which was topped off by a 30 minute fire display courtesy of our own Board Member Rommel David.

Mayor Dors, the Sangguniang Bayan and the Departments Heads spearheaded the fiesta celebration that culminated with a Street Dancing Competition, Grand Parade, and Variety Show in the 22nd. 

The highly anticipated Variety Show proved to be a huge success as it remains to this day the talk of the town.  Several celebrities were invited to perform much to the delight of Paniqueños who patiently stood up for long hours just to see and enjoy their favorite stars. Among the artists who came were Cristy Fermin, Eric and Tuko (of Wowowee), Mahal and Ara Muna (OJ Kaluguran fame), CheChe of Sex Bomb, Saicy Aguila of Pinoy Big Brother, Aljur Abrenice and Kris Bernal (GMA 7, Dapat ka bang Mahalin afternoon soap opera), Vhong Navarro and the StreetBoys, and the Aegis.

Those who were not able to enter the Paniqui Public Auditorium were content to view the show from a Wide Screen Projector installed at the Paniqui Basketball Court.  The show ended at about 2:00 AM.

Photos are now being uploaded at the ePaniqui Gallery .

Mayor Dors Rivilla profusely thanked all the sponsors amd those who graced the festivities: Governor Vic Yap, Congressman Niki Teodoro, DND Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and dozens of balikbayans, local businesses and others who did their part to ensure the success of Paniqui Town Fiesta 2009.