Fireworks, concerts, and local delicacy tastings—ring in the New Year and welcome the first sunrise of the year in Taitung at year’s end

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

The “Shining Taitung – 2012 Taitung County New Year’s Eve Series Events” will begin at 5:00 p.m. on December 31 at Taitung County Stadium, with Asian pop icons Richie Jen, Huang Pin-yuan, and eternal goddess Lin Huiping leading everyone to bid farewell to 2011 and welcome the first second of 2012 at 10:00 p.m. The event will also feature the Taitung County Top 10 Local Specialty Gift selection.

Different from previous years’ programming, this year’s event will not only feature performances by top stars but also include a spectacular 5-minute fireworks show and a performance by “MIX Dance Theater.” This is a group that combines acrobatics, clown interactions, and magic performances, and they will engage with the audience on-site. There will also be performances by Lanxin Band, Guts Band, and Hu Daiming—who won fourth place in the World Chinese Vocal Competition—bringing a variety of exciting acts.　　

This year, to make it easier for the public to reach the event venue, the Taitung County New Year’s Eve celebration has been specially held at the County Stadium. It will be hosted by Monga, the star of Cape No. 7, and Asian radio host Xian Ling, and will kick off with YOYO Family’s popular Grass? Sister and Orange Brother. Also appearing will be Super Idol’s Jiang Mingjuan, Super Idol trio members Li Songhua, Chen Jie, and Li Yi, as well as other well-known artists such as 1-Piece, IX Dance Theater, Richie Jen, Huang Pin-yuan, and Lin Huiping.

At the same time, on the 31st, around the rotary area near the County Stadium where the New Year’s Eve celebration is being held, there will also be a sampling and sales exhibition of nominated local specialty gift products and special foods, allowing the public to sample and vote on-site. On that day, the top ten Taitung local travel specialty gifts will also be selected.