Tuesday, January 02, 2007

[NEWS] 2007 New Year Countdown Party

New Year Party Information
Mayor Hau, general manager Lee of TVBS, and the hosts of the party at the press conference
-- December 29, 2006 --
“Fireworks, Parade, Carnival – 2007 Taipei New Year Countdown Party”

The 2007 New Year Countdown Party, organized by Taipei City Government and TVBS, will be held at the Civic Plaza in front of City Hall on December 31.

Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin presided over the press conference for the event on December 29. TVBS General Manager Lee Tao, countdown party hosts Paulian Lan and Hsu Nai-lin were also in attendance.

During the press conference, Lee noted that the city can look towards more joy and fun in the coming 48 hours. He noted that this may be the beginning of a new era, as the performance this year will also feature a parade sponsored by 7-Eleven. This event may be the start of something long-lasting, similar to the Macy’s parade which has been held for more than fifty years in the United States.

Mayor Hau noted that even though this is his first countdown party as mayor, he is looking forward to sharing the joy with the residents of Taipei. When asked if he would be able to stay awake long enough to ring in the new year, Hau replied that he is confident of his stamina. In addition, he looks forward to a healthy and happy atmosphere.

The Mayor noted that while last year’s event attracted 400,000 revelers, the city government will be expecting 500,000 this year. To deal with the flow of visitors, the organizers have also implemented new measures, including the establishment of emergency walkways for medical attention and two transfer bus stations. Hau also apologized to Xinyi District residents for possible inconveniences and thanked them for their patience.

Most importantly, Mayor Hau revealed his New Years resolution: to have a happy and lively city and make the city government even more efficient in the coming year.

Taipei City Government has been organizing New Year countdown parties for many years and the event has become the premier party that has set the standard for the rest of the island’s New Year’s Eve celebration. This year’s activities will begin at 2 p.m. A total of 16 groups will be parading along Songgao Road, Songzhi Road, and Songshou Road. They consist of cheerleaders from Taipei Jingmei Girls High School, marching bands, young street dancers, Japanese Taiko drums, and even clowns.

As for the main event, music performances, the sponsors installed a state-of-the-art stage to ensure the audience will have the best show. TVBS has arranged for pop artists to perform at the event, including: 2moro, F.I.R., TANK, May Day, Awaking, Ping Guan, Nan Quan Mama, Stanley Huang, Dylan Kuo, Fish Leong, Gigi Leung, CHAMPION, Fahrenheit, Lollipop Boys, Faith Yang, Jolin Tsai, Evan Yo, and Alan Lo. The concert will start from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m.

In addition to the live performance, the celebration will also feature broadcast of other New Year celebrations in Taoyuan and Taichung. To ring in the new year, Taipei 101 will set off a 188-second long firework show to wow the world. Mayor Hau and former Mayor Ma Ying-jeou will be on stage to ring in 2007 with the audience.

According to Taipei City Government, the activities for “Fireworks, Parade, Carnival – 2007 Taipei New Year Countdown Party” will begin at 2 p.m. on December 30 in Xinyi Business District. Events include performances by bands participating in the MRT Cup Award at Warner Village, free online gaming, “Hakka Cuisine Exhibition” at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A10 Parking Lot, “Indigenous Cuisine Exhibition,” “Indigenous Music Festival,” “Street Performers Show,” May Day concert (The band will also have an autograph session.), “2006 International Street Dance Competition” at New York New York, “DJ Countdown Party,” and many more. Major shopping centers located in the business district will all be extending their store hours during the nights of the events.

Taipei City Government pointed out that revelers will have many options New Year’s Eve to party until sunrise. The activities have been posted on the official website: http://www.tvbs.com.tw/Project/tvbs_g/activity/2007_taipei/index.html

The 2006 New Year Countdown Party attracted 400,000 people. The city government is reminding residents to pay attention to announcements regarding traffic control, bus route changes, and MRT (the MRT will be extending operational hours to 3 a.m.). Residents are encouraged to depart for the various events early, and to use public transportation.

Considering the number of people attending past events, the city government has mobilized all law enforcement and medical teams. The organizers have also established service centers and emergency medical stations to provide information and ensure safety. As a reminder, dangerous items should be left at home, and firecrackers or sparklers should not be lit. Residents should watch out for their safety. Special reminders to parents to pay close attention to their children and keep the youngsters close by them.

TVBS-G, Broadcasting Corporation of China (BCC), and Taipei Broadcasting Station will broadcast the event live.

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