CNY Carnival at Padang Merdeka Feb 10-12
Kota Kinabalu: The Chinese New Year Carnival 2018 will be held from Feb 10 to 12 at Padang Merdeka here.
It is jointly organised by City Hall and the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), with the State Government as sponsor and contributions from many donors.
The carnival’s organising committee held a meeting chaired by Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai recently.
Also present were FCAS President Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) TC Goh and Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Edward Yong, who is in charge of City Hall.
According to Yong, the organising committee would be inviting the Chief Minister to launch the event on Feb 10.
He said among the highlights of the programme are the 24 seasons drum beating, lion dances, “Lau Sang”, cultural and singing performances, choir and others.
He said more schools will be involved this time to encourage more youngsters to participate in the carnival.
Fireworks are expected to be set off on the opening night.
There will also be a ceremony for senior citizens and children at Padang Merdeka on Feb 11, which is expected to be launched by the Chief Minister’s wife, Puan Sri Datin Seri Panglima Faridah Tussin.
A Cheongsam beauty pageant and dancing contest will be held on the second night also, he said.
The closing ceremony is expected to be graced by the Minister with Special Tasks, Datuk Seri Panglima Teo Chee Kang, which will also see the finale of the Cheongsam and dancing competitions and a fireworks display.
Visitors will also have the chance to shop for goods from the 200 stalls that will be set up throughout the carnival.
The stalls will be opened at 6pm selling goods in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration.
For the first time this year, the stalls at Padang Merdeka will be allowed to continue their business for another two days up to Feb 14 which will coincide with the yearly Chinese New Year night market.
Yong said this will give more business opportunities to small traders and hawkers and will be an added attraction for tourists visiting the city during the festive season.
Application for the stalls can be made starting Jan 9 2018 at City Hall’s Hawkers Management Counter, City Environmental Health Department at 7th floor, Centre Point Sabah.
Permit for the stalls are RM60 per lot. For more information on the stalls, call 088-244000 or 088-223437.
Source: Daily Express
