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The 2002 Hong Kong Flower Show, with the theme of "Hong Kong in Full Blossom", is officially opened to the public today (March 8) at Victoria Park, Causeway Bay until March 17.
The Flower Show, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), attracts more than 100 participating organisations from different parts of the world to showcase their artistic floral arrangements and exquisite landscape displays this year.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mrs Betty Tung, Wife of the Chief Executive, pointed out that the Hong Kong Flower Show has been well-received by the public. Last year, over half-a-million visitors were recorded, indicating that there are many horticultural lovers in Hong Kong.
She said: "By organising flower shows, LCSD not only provides an opportunity for the public to enjoy the beauty of nature, but also gives an avenue for traders to exchange their views with amateurs on gardening, horticultural and floral arrangements."
The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Paul Leung Sai-wah noted that to coincide with the Hong Kong Tourism Board's promotion campaigns, the theme "Hong Kong in Full Blossom" was chosen with the commitment to provide a unique flower show for both local residents and tourists.
"Garden Petunia was selected as the theme flower as its colour and glamour symbolized a vibrant and exciting Hong Kong.
"We hope that the show, together with the wide range of fringe activities will help boost public interest in horticulture and promote the greening of Hong Kong," said Mr Leung.
Apart from special flowers, floral arrangements and bonsai displays, there are also a number of music performances and cultural presentations. One of them will be a variety show jointly organised with TVB at Victoria Park this evening and to be broadcast at TVB Jade Channel at 10.15 pm on Saturday (March 9).
A rich variety of fringe activities will also be provided including a drawing competition, a photographic competition, plant care workshops, floral arrangement demonstrations, arboriculture demonstrations, guided visit and recreational activities.
For the children, a Happy Wonderland will be set up at the Central Lawn in the park for their enjoyment during weekends. There will be game stalls, mini-train, inflatable bouncers, handicrafts, face painting, pony show, sports carnival and chess games.
Other officiating guests included the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lam Woon-kwong; the Secretary for the Environment and Food, Mrs Lily Yam; Chairman of the Panel on Home Affairs of the Legislative Council, Mr Ip Kwok-him; Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mrs Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee; and the Adviser of the 2002 Hong Kong Flower Show, Professor Hu Shiu-ying.
The 110 participating organisations comprise ten government departments, 76 local horticultural associations and 34 organisations from Mainland and overseas. Horticultural products are on sale at 70 commercial stalls at the showground.
The show will be open to the public from 8 am to 9 pm daily except for March 11 when part of the venue will be cordoned off for holding a photographic competition from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Ticket fees are $14 for adults and half price for children and students. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities will have free admission on weekdays and concession at $7 for Saturdays and Sundays. Adults in a group of 30 persons or more will be admitted at half rate on weekdays and advance-booking guided tours will be arranged.
Admission tickets will be available at the Victoria Park, the Queen Elizabeth Stadium, SPORTIX and Leisure Link outlets.
For enquiries, please call 2723 6232 or browse LCSD's website at www.lcsd.gov.hk.
End/Friday, March 8, 2002
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