| Start: | Feb 5, '08 08:00a |
| End: | Feb 8, '08 |
The Chinese New Year heralds the arrival of spring and at the Singapore River Hongbao (SRHB) 2008, the Esplanade Park will be transformed into a garden of flowers to welcome the Year of the Rat.
In line with our basic objective of promoting family togetherness during this major Chinese festival, the 22nd SRHB has lined up a host of activities for children, young adults and senior citizens.
For the first time, SRHB will stay open throughout the night on February 16. To complement Chingay’s all-night party, the SRHB lights and stalls will be on until 4 am on February 17.
Fireworks
To bring the fireworks nearer to the visitors, this year’s fireworks will be launched from the Esplanade Drive. The specially choreographed fireworks will be conducted on February 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Date Firework Displays Time Fireworks Duration
5/2/2008 2130 5mins
6/2/2008 At 0000 – Midnight 8mins
7/2/2008 2130 5mins
8/2/2008 2130 5mins
Counting the Rat Competition
Visitors to SRHB 08 will have the opportunity of winning a $5000 “hongbao” by correctly counting the number of “rats” featured at the site (excluding merchandise).
As we will be ushering in the Year of the Rat, this animal will be depicted in various forms throughout the site. Each visitor will be allowed to submit one entry on the total number of rats displayed at the site. If there is more than one winning entry, a draw will be made to select the winner.
Sponsored by United Overseas Bank, submissions have to be made by midnight on February 15 and the winner will be presented with the prize at the Main Stage on February 16.
Free Nightly Performances at the Main Stage
Taking centre stage will be a song and dance troupe from Tibet and an acrobatic troupe from Taipei. They will perform at the Main Stage from February 5 to 16.
For the first time, the Lhasa Municipal Ethnic Art Troupe will be sending a 32-member strong team of artistes to introduce Tibetan songs and dances to visitors of SRHB.
Joining them at the Main Stage will be 25 young acrobats from the National Taiwan Junior College of Performing Arts.
Performances at the Flower Pavilion
To showcase Singapore’s young talents, this Pavilion will have performances put up by students and members of the various arts groups. These will include Malay dance items.
Art Installation
In collaboration with Mr Ben Puah, a local artist, SRHB will feature a total of 88 art pieces designed by Mr Puah and painted by students. Young Singaporeans will be given an opportunity to demonstrate their artistic skills by adding on to 10 of these banners at the Esplanade Park.
Exhibitions
There will be two exhibitions on local culture at SRHB 08. The Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations will be organizing an exhibition on major Chinese festivals. Majlis Pusat will also be organizing a special exhibition on Malay wedding.
Cooking Demonstrations of Traditional Dialect Food
In response to popular demand, there will be cooking demonstrations of traditional dialect food nightly, from February 10 to 16. Visitors will have the chance to learn and sample Hokkien, Cantonese, Khek, Hainanese, Teochew, Fuzhou and Futsing food prepared by representatives from clan associations.
National Primary Schools Chinese Calligraphy Competition
New year calligraphy couplets (hui chun) are an integral part of the Chinese New Year. This year, the 2nd National Primary Schools Chinese Calligraphy Competition will be held at the SRHB site on Saturday, 16 February. This competition is co-organised with Hong Wen Primary School.
“Dengmi” Chinese Riddles
This traditional Chinese game to test one’s wits and knowledge of the Chinese language will be conducted throughout the 12 nights of SRHB 08.
Amusement Centre
Uncle Ringo, the ever popular provider of joy rides and game stalls for the young, will be at the site to entertain the younger visitors.
Handicrafts and Food Stalls
SRHB has lined up 100 stalls selling handicrafts and food.
Doing our bit for the Less privileged
In keeping with the Chinese tradition of caring for the less privileged during this festive occasion, SRHB will set up a Wishing Well to collect donations for the Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital.
