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Symphony, magic and paradise – three simple words that put together will bring you a superb experience for a relaxing weekend. Members of the public are invited to join the "Ma On Shan Festival - Social Enterprise Winter Fete", to be held from 1pm to 6pm this Sunday (November 25) at Ma On Shan Park and Ma On Shan Sports Centre.
Against the backdrop of symphonic and magic performances, visitors can support caring consumption and enjoy shopping at the fete's social enterprise (SE) booths, which feature the theme "Symphony, Magic and Paradise".
A total of 23 SEs will showcase their products and services from 1pm to 5.30pm in Ma On Shan Park, including health foods and drinks, organic farm produce, fabric work and accessories, environmentally friendly products, yoga classes, massage and eco-tours. People who purchase products or services over a specified amount can get special gifts while stock lasts.
Apart from the SE booths, there will be a crossover performance by a symphony orchestra and a magic show from 1pm to 3pm in the square outside Ma On Shan Sports Centre. Guests including the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Raymond Young, the Deputy Director of Home Affairs, Ms Mimi Lee and the Vice-Chairman of Sha Tin District Council, Mr Pang Cheung-wai will then officiate at a ceremony in the square at 4pm. Later, well-known folk singer Albert Au and other guest singers will sing folk songs at a nostalgic evening concert produced by Radio Television Hong Kong.
In addition, a variety of performances and activities under the theme "symphony and magic" will be held at Ma On Shan Park and Ma On Shan Sports Centre in the afternoon. They include a tea garden, game booths, workshops, a pet corner, music and dance performances, magic performances, acrobatics, an art exhibition, and book-crossing. A band and district performing groups will also parade from 3.25pm in Ma On Shan Park to provide an entertaining Sunday for residents.
The fete is one of the highlight events of the Ma On Shan Festival. Organised by the Sha Tin District Organising Committee for Celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR and the Home Affairs Department, with the assistance of the Sha Tin District Office, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Ma On Shan Promotion of Livelihood and Recreation Association, the fete celebrates the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR and the 25th anniversary of the development of Ma On Shan New Town. The fete also seeks to encourage the public to use SE products and services.
In addition to conducting oral historical research on changes to Ma On Shan, the rise and decline of the mining business and the planning of the new town, the organisers of the festival have also held a series of celebratory activities including a mega-carnival, a thematic exhibition on Ma On Shan history, the publication of books and brochures, and guided tours on the mining history of Ma On Shan. It is hoped that these activities and events will give residents more opportunities to learn about the "old days" and developments to the district with a view to encouraging them to participate more actively in local affairs.
Admission is free for all activities. For enquiries, please call the Sha Tin District Office at 2158 5382.
Ends/Thursday, November 22, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:24
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