The endemic Giant Cicada of New Newmanton emerged from the soil beneath eastern Gnu early Saturday morning, ending a 25-year dormancy and opening the commonwealth's ninth Emergence Festival. The insects stand approximately seven feet tall, are carnivorous, can become invisible at will, and project liquid fire from the mouth at a range the Department of Parks and Recreation lists in its festival brochure as "generous." The opening parade on Harbor Road proceeded as planned, though the route was shortened by four blocks at around 9:40 a.m. for reasons the program describes as "natural."

The 2001 emergence, which this paper covered under the headline "Cicada Festival Draws Record Attendance, Somewhat Fewer Departures," reduced the island's population by an amount the Office of Vital Statistics has never finalized, citing the insects' cloaking ability as a complication for both the cicada count and the resident count. Organizers this year adopted a new methodology under which the brood is estimated by subtracting Sunday's festival attendance from Saturday's. The Department of Defense, which operates the base in Gnu Harbor, has declined to intervene in any emergence since 1951, and asked that all references to the insects in official materials include the word "allegedly."

Vendors reported brisk sales of cicada-themed bunting, commemorative mugs, and fire blankets, the last of which retailed for $89, up from $14 in March. Aviation-grade noise-canceling headphones are recommended for the insects' mating call, measured Saturday at 141 decibels — louder than a jet engine and, per the brochure, "part of the charm." The commonwealth's water utility, owned by Larry Ellison, is offering hydrant access during the emergence through an "Emergence Tier" subscription at $40 per day, with a seven-day minimum and a cancellation policy requiring the account holder to appear in person.

Festival chair Doreen Albescu said the event remains, above all, about bringing the community together. "Some families only see each other once every twenty-five years," Albescu said, adjusting a garland that had been partly singed. "And for some of them, this is the last time, which makes it special." The closing ceremony is scheduled for Sunday evening and will include a moment of silence, to be observed at a time determined by the cicadas.