ElaineThe ‘Niu’ Year is all about ushering in the good luck, health and of course, good fortune.
2009 is definitely no exception. What could be a better way to usher in the prosperity than holding the annual River Hongbao event at the Floating Platform?
When The UrbanWire reporter entered the event area, she was greeted with an array of red lanterns hung over the entrance. It was a beautiful sight, especially when the sky darkened as the whole area was lit up.
Held from Jan 24 to Feb 1, both locals and tourists were spoilt for choices as there were many different interesting and exciting cultural performances lined up for the young and old. Daily performances started from 6pm and lasted through all the way to 11pm.
Ranging from spectacular performances from the Hubei Art College & Nanjing Acrobatic Troupe to performing artistes like Kelly Poon and Kelvin Tan Wei Lian to even performers as young as 11 years old.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Mr Wong Kan Seng kicked off the event with a bang on the opening night with firecrackers booming to chase away the evil spirits (as what the people mostly believe in the old sayings).
What added on to the beauty of the night were the God of Fortune, the twelve Chinese Zodiac Animals, the Lotus Bridge, Garden of Spring and even the Giant Chinese Chess formation.
The giant God of Fortune would give out lucky numbers every hour of the night where many men and women hoped to catch that tiny piece of paper that would bring them some fortune.
Visitors could try their luck by throwing coins onto the respective bells. If it rings, it means that you will attain the luck for the year. All Proceeds would be given to Ren Ci Hospital and Medicare Centre. The UrbanWire reporter tried her luck on the well, but none of her coins would hit the bell. Maybe she needs to work out some aiming skills.
16-year-old Lee Kai Jie who tried his luck and managed to score a ring on ‘学业有成’ which means to be successful in one’s studies said, “I sure hope it’s gonna come true! I’m entering Junior College soon, so I hope everything will go well.”
When you’re tired from all the walking and photography taking, make your way down to the Food Street where you get to satisfy your hungry taste buds on the different kinds of food ranging from Chinese to Japanese to Malay to Korean to even Vietnamese food!
Visitors who wanted to see more performing arts, they simply had to walk over to the main road of Esplanade Drive where the Chingay Parade was held. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!
The UrbanWire wishes all its readers a happy and prosperous 2009! May the Year of Ox brings you more fortune and joy this year.