31st December 2012 saw the successful culmination of Countdown @ Boon Lay 2013, a journey that would remain unforgettable to many. It was a day where Boon Lay residents reveled whilst welcoming the New Year.
Last year, Countdown @ Boon Lay received immense media attention due to its strong focus on the promotion of performances by local talents. The event was even featured in the Straits Times, Lianhe Zao Bao, Capital 95.8FM and 早安您好!
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| Lian He Zao Bao coverage |
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| Straits Time coverage |
Preparations for the event began early in the day, with BLYC volunteers arriving at the community centre to help transport goodie bags, game equipments and décor over to Jurong Central Park. Over at Jurong Central Park, stage performers began their sound and technical runs to ensure flawless performances later in the night. Throughout the afternoon, the Countdown committee together with volunteers worked tirelessly to set up the necessary logistics for the event.
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| Organising of goodie bags |
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| Packing of goodie bags |
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| Packing of goodie bags |
However, the weather that day did not seem to share the jubilation many had towards the event. In the midst of preparations, a heavy downpour ensued, stalling many of the ongoing plans. At that juncture, the only thought in the minds of everyone was for the rain to stop as soon as possible.
Eventually, the skies began to clear in the evening, and Countdown @ Boon Lay 2013 proceeded in full force. Fortunately, the light drizzle did not dampen the festive spirit of Boon Lay residents as many of them started to come down for the event. At the stroke of midnight, 30000 residents joined us to welcome the new year and celebrate amidst the cheers, music and fireworks! :)
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| Countdown 2013 |
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| Main Stage |
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| Volunteer mending the carnival booth (henna) |
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| Volunteers managing game booths |
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| Volunteers managing game booths |
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| Volunteers managing game booths |
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| Volunteers managing game booths |
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| BLYC members |
This year, Countdown 2014 will be themed Bringing Dreams to Light.
Our Guest-of-Honour for this year will be Mr Lawrence
Wong, Adviser to Boon Lay Grassroots Organisations, Acting Minister for
Culture, Community and Youth and MP for West Coast GRC (Boon Lay). This mega
event will be held along the whole stretch of road at Boon Lay Place. It will
feature:
- a bazaar
- a food and games carnival
- professional stage performances showcasing the talent of local bands and performing artistes
- a wishing well for residents to pen their wishes for the new year
- other various forms of entertainment such as balloon sculpturing, face-painting, temporary tattoos, henna, etc
- a first-time ever interactive street parade promoting interaction between performers, mascots and residents. (main highlight for Countdown 2014)
We are looking for volunteers
to help out on the event day (31 December 2013).
Volunteers are needed for :
- bringing handicapped residents on wheelchairs around during Countdown. 3-5 volunteers will be assigned to each resident and volunteers are required to aid them in the participation of carnival games and help them in navigation (special routes which will be planned out for them).
- sorting, packing and distribution of goodie bags
- managing of game booths
- being stagehands
- ushering the crowd.
For those who are interested, please sign up at the following link :
Feel free to approach any of our friendly countdown members, or email us at boonlaycountdown2014@gmail.com for further inquiries :)
