By Christine T
KUCHING, Sept 25: The Mooncake Festival celebration at Traffic Garden in Kenyalang Park has been extended until tomorrow (Sept 26) following an overwhelming public response, with the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) drawing large crowds to festivities held simultaneously at three city parks for the first time.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the Kenyalang Park celebration was originally scheduled to run for two days from Sept 24 to 25, but the strong turnout prompted the council to add an extra day of activities on Sept 26.
Speaking to reporters during the Mooncake Festival celebration at Hui Sing Recreational Park today, Wee said MBKS had organised celebrations concurrently at Hui Sing Recreational Park, Friendship Park in Jalan Song and Traffic Garden in Kenyalang Park as part of efforts to bring communities together and encourage greater use of public spaces.
“We want to bring the community to the park and bring the neighbourhood together,” he said.
Wee said the Mid-Autumn Festival should not only be celebrated within individual homes, but could also serve as an opportunity for residents to connect with one another and strengthen neighbourhood ties.
He said MBKS wanted its parks to become vibrant community spaces beyond their traditional use for jogging and exercise, with residents and community organisations encouraged to organise activities there with the council’s support.
“We have created the facilities, so we want to make sure people make use of them,” he said.
Wee said the council would continue upgrading its parks progressively, with the goal of enhancing at least one park every year.
He added that community activities at parks could also provide opportunities for residents to engage with local representatives and raise issues affecting their neighbourhoods in a more informal setting.
The celebrations at the three parks attracted residents from various backgrounds, with families gathering to enjoy food, cultural performances and festive activities.
Wee said such events were increasingly important in strengthening family and community bonds at a time when many people were preoccupied with technology and mobile devices.
“We want to create family bonding and bring people together. The togetherness now is very important,” he said.
He also encouraged residents and community groups interested in organising activities at MBKS parks to approach the council for assistance and support.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap was also present at the Hui Sing Recreational Park Mooncake Festival celebration. – DayakDaily
