By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin
Every December, Christmas and New Year’s Eve events unfold in cities and counties across the nation, creating a lively atmosphere. To welcome 2013, Kaohsiung will also host a series of New Year’s celebrations. In addition to the countdown party, there will be an Asian-exclusive event loved by both kids and adults—the giant balloon parade. On December 9 at 1:30 PM, it will burst into color on Era Boulevard. The girl group S.H.E will ride in a carriage dressed as princesses, joining over 30 themed balloons including Pleasant Goat, Big Big Wolf, and members of the Open将 family, along with more than 20 performance groups, all marching together.
The image shows a simulation of this year’s event site, where classic characters like Big Big Wolf and Winnie the Pooh will join in the fun with the public. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Information Bureau)
Cartoon-character giant balloons have always been a major draw, attracting large crowds every year. This year’s event, themed “The World Comes to Kaohsiung,” will feature 30 themed balloons. In addition to the usual Open将 family members, Angry Birds, Hello Kitty, Doraemon, Powerpuff Girls, SpongeBob, Patrick Star, and the Uni-President Lions, the parade will also include for the first time fan-favorites like Pleasant Goat, Pretty Goat, Big Big Wolf, and Dora, as well as Disney classics such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Winnie the Pooh.
Lai Rui-long, Director of the Kaohsiung City Government Information Bureau, said that aside from the eye-catching floating balloons, the ground performance groups will also be spectacular. This year, the reunited girl group S.H.E will make a dazzling appearance in elegant princess costumes, riding in a carriage to meet the public up close. Other highlights include a thrilling opening with heavy motorcycles, the adorable debut of Volkswagen Beetle and Mini Cooper car convoys, static light aircraft displays, plus over 20 participating groups such as cosplay, marching bands, cheer squads, indigenous dance performances, and samba drummers. The one-kilometer-long carnival parade will be a visual feast for all.
To ensure the smooth running of the balloon parade, traffic controls will be in place from 7:00 AM on December 6 until midnight on December 9 on the section of Zhongshan Road to Chenggong Road on Era Boulevard. On the day of the event, December 9, the controlled area will expand from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, extending east to Chenggong 2nd Road, west to Zhongshan 3rd Road, south to Zhengqin Road, and north to the old Ketagalan 4th Road.
● Read more: Count-down Holiday High-Speed Rail Tickets Go on Pre-sale Starting December 1
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