Lion Dance Competition

A LION dance competition, in which the first troupe to reach a platform 6m from the ground will be declared the winner, will be the highlight of a Chap Goh Meh celebration hosted by the Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) in George Town this Sunday, 8 Feb 2009.

Four troupes had confirmed participation in the competition which he believed was the first of its kind in the country.

The lions will first have to clear several obstacles placed along the ladder before reaching the platform. The winner and other participating troupes would win cash prizes, the amounts of which had yet to be decided.

It is estimated about 30,000 people were expected to turn up for the celebration which would be held from 6pm to 11pm.

A specially-designed wishing well would be put up in front of the Goddess of Mercy temple at the junction of China Street and Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling for the customary orange-throwing practice.

2,000 oranges for those wishing to throw the fruit into the well, adding that the public could get the fruit by making a donation which would be channeled to a charitable kidney dialysis centre.

The main performance stage would be erected at the junction of Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling and Bishop Street, adding that the programme for the evening included song and dance performances, Baba Nyonya and Malay folk dance presentations and Chingay performances.

Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling would be closed to traffic from 4pm until midnight on that day for the event. Hawker stalls will be set up along nearby Queen Street.

Visitors can park their cars at St George’s Church nearby for a RM3 fee