Memories of Singapore River Hong Bao

Every Lunar New Year, The organiser will organise the Singapore River Hong Bao carnival at the Marina Bay riverside. River Hong Bao have been organised for 27 years and the admission is free.

The member of the public can expected Live performance from the Local and China performers, World food street, Chinese showcase, The Chinese Zodiac display and Uncle Ringo amusement carnival.

During the hare days, it was like a family affairs outing to visit to Singapore River Hong Bao. As during the times, there was not much attractions e.g, Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands etc to visit.

I could remembered when I was a kid, My parents and my younger brother, we would travel to Marina Bay River (Along the stretch of Marina Bus terminus) and visit to Singapore River Hong Bao. (At that time, we took a bus to City Hall and walk towards to Marina Square as Circle Line was not built yet.)

The carnival was very grand and very huge at that time, They even setup First Aid counter, Lost and Found Counter and Temporary Police Centre. Do you know that, at that time you could able to play Roller Coaster, Pirate Ship and Ghost Train ride?

The Carnival had many Chinese Myth showcase displays which was sponsored by individual company. They also displayed in the sea as well! Do you know that TCS (MediaCorp) also held it Chinese New Year countdown together with ChinaTown and TV studio before?

I could remembered that I pulled my dad hands and take photos together as my dad do not like to take photo. Till now my dad still the same habit! Ha Ha.. Soon after, Marina area was being re-delvoped and to build more attractions (eg, Esplanade theatre, Marina Bay Stadium, Singapore Flyer etc) as the nation progress. The Singapore River Bao Carnival became smaller due to the area re-delvoped.

When the Esplanade theatre was completed, Singapore River Hong Bao was shifted beside the empty space and when the Marina Bay Floating Platform (Marina Stadium) was completed the construction, the carnival was shifted over here.

Time passed and the Singapore River Bao also transformed over the year. With the beauty of Marina Bay skyline, it also attracted not only the local but to the tourists as well.

It's been awhile where we can see this outdoor amusement park. The new generation of kids would not able to experience the real fun that we had during the time we do not have a lot of IT gadgets. But most important, our Tradition will never change and it will pass down to the next generation.

Happy Lunar New Year to everyone!