 Pesta
2004 –
Colourful
Penang
Like fireworks, this universe
is a celebration and you are the spectator contemplating the splendor. The
more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.
Festivals are clearly a
high point of most people's lives – it is an unwritten rule that everyone,
irrespective of age, loves a celebration no matter what the festivity. Malaysians
are certainly no exception to the maxim and will gladly let their hair down
when the occasion calls for it. to this maxim. For that matter, Penangites
are also no strangers to merrymaking, and come November Penangites from all
walks of life will get to savour, alongside other major festivities like
Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Christmas and New Year's Eve the annual Pesta
Expo. It goes without saying that the community will have a lot to celebrate
before the year is out!
The timing of Pesta 2004,
from Nov to Dec could not be more fortuitous – in addition to the
aforementioned holiday season, the long school break also takes place.
Incidentally, this year's Pesta is the first to be organised by the Penang
Development Corporation (PDC). In recognition of Penang's multicultural and
multiracial facets, the organisers adopted the slogan Colourful Penang as
the theme for Pesta 2004.
According to the PDC, Pesta
2004 will be made over and 'revamped' in a new and exciting image, combining
the best of local and foreign commerce, tourism, culture, hobbies, crafts,
sports and entertainment. Suffice it to say that there's a bit of something
for everybody and no one will end up disappointed.
Among the "exciting and
new" components on show are:
 PROPERTY
GALLERY
– Property developers showcasing new and established units for sale
to the public.
AUTO
CITY
– Big
names in the motor industry in Malaysia displaying and selling their latest
and most popular models here, including luxury cars and imported motorbikes
like Goldwing and Harley Davidson.
ARTS
& CRAFTS GALLERY
– Local
entrepreneurs active in batik, khat and local handicrafts exhibit their work
and sell their products. The Batik Guild has been invited to participate.
FOOD
& AGRICULTURE PRODUCTS GALLERY
– Local
agencies involved in the research and development of agriculture such as
MARDI, FAMA, FELDA, etc. will display and sell their products.
INTERNATIONAL
PAVILLIONS
– Exhibitors
from Thailand, Indonesia and as far away as China and the African continent
will promote products, including tourism, and network with local entrepreneurs.
There will be a Thai Fair at the Thailand Pavillion; the Indonesian Government
will bring their local products for display and sale in the Sumatera Utara,
Sumatera Barat and Acheh Pavllions and the Penang-China Friendship Association
will carry out a China Fair at the Xiamen Pavillion. The highlight of the
Pesta will be the African Pavillion displaying a mix of cultures and traditions
from countries like Uganda, Senegal and Kenya. The foreign exhibits should
be a great opportunity to see and experience the uniqueness of these countries
at these pavillions.
PETS'
WORLD
–
Leading pet experts in Malaysia such as TOBY Pets will be trotting out various
animals and pets such as dogs, cats, ornamental fish and other animals.
LANDSCAPE
GALLERY
– As
the name suggests, visitors will be treated to unique bonsai, orchids and
exotic plants while the exotic birdsongs fill the air.
ARTISTS'
CORNER
– Homegrown
portrait/caricature artists will be displaying and selling their works of
art.
 Thrill seekers can indulge
in the Euro Fun Park, whilst the more adventurous and athletic can partake
in extreme sports and competitions like Pesta Run, silat, basketball, futsal,
sepak takraw and body-building. Other competitions include cooking, singing
and children painting.
Another major sporting
event held in conjunction with the fiesta is the 32nd Penang Pesta International
Open bowling championship, from 11-19 December 2004. (more info at
http://www.mtbc.org.my/results/32ndpesta.htm)
Last but not least, those
who seek nothing more than to chill-out to music will not be disappointed
– headbangers will be treated to bands like May, Wings, Def Geb C, Slam,
Spring while gentler souls can relax to A. Rahman Hassan and the Nirvana
Orchestra.
The organisers are expecting
over 700,000 visitors to Colorful Penang. The Pesta is open daily from 6pm
to 12 midnight and entrance fee is RM4 for adults and RM1 for children. Ample
parking space adjacent to the Pesta site is available at a reasonable RM2
for cars and RM1 for motorbikes. For more information on the Pesta Expo,
call Shahril/Aznita at 04-6340201 / 6340202 / 6340111.
See you there!
Written by
Raja Abdul Razak
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here
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