Fireworks, concerts, and local delicacy tastings: Celebrate New Year's Eve and welcome the first light of dawn in Taitung at year's end

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

 

The "Shining Taitung – 2012 Taitung County New Year’s Eve Celebration Series" will begin at 5 p.m. on December 31 at Taitung County Stadium, with the countdown at 10 p.m. led by Asian superstars Richie Jen, Huang Pin-yuan, and eternal pop idol Lin Huiping to ring in 2012. The event will also feature the Taitung County Top 10 Local Delicacies Selection.

Different from previous years’ programs, 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 group combines acrobatics, clown interactions, and magic tricks, and will engage with the audience on-site. There will also be performances by the Lanyin Band, Guts Band, and Hu Daiming, who won fourth place in the World Chinese Vocal Competition.　　

This year, to make it easier for the public to reach the venue, the Taitung County New Year’s Eve celebration has been specially held at the County Stadium. It will be hosted by Hsia Chih-hsiung, the star of "Cape No. 7," and Asian radio host Xian Ling. The event will open with performances by the popular YOYO Family’s Caocao Sister and Lemon Brother, and will also feature Super Idol’s Jiang Mingjuan, Super Idol finalists Lee Song-hua, Chen Jie, Li Yi, and others, as well as IX Dance Theater, Richie Jen, Huang Pin-yuan, Lin Huiping, and other well-known artists.

 

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