Kaohsiung, Nov. 22 (CNA) The annual Kaohsiung New Year's Eve celebration party will feature a firework show lasting four minutes, one of the city's biggest ever displays, the Kaohsiung government said Wednesday.
In a statement, the city government said the New Year's Eve party will take place at Dream Mall starting from 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, with the stepped-up firework display beginning after the New Year countdown.
The show will last 60 seconds longer than last year and more than 7,000 fireworks will be set off, according to Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁).
He said that this would also be the first time the city combines its Christmas and New Year celebrations in an attempt to create a joyful end-of-year atmosphere.
Christmas decorations, including a 20-meter Christmas tree and an over 5-meter tall reindeer will be put up in Central Park. An event will also be held there on Dec. 22 and 23, which will feature more than 250 stalls and performances, according to the city government.
Roads and shopping areas nearby will also be decorated with Christmas lights to create a festive atmosphere, the city government said, adding that a variety of events will continue into New Year's Eve.
Meanwhile, Chen said Kaohsiung is set to have an eventful December, with the "Open Your Dream" balloon parade being held on Dec. 9, and the "Open Run" road running race and the performance of the Japanese "Orange Devils" -- the Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School marching band -- scheduled for Dec. 10.
He added that everyone is welcome to visit the city in southern Taiwan during this festive and joyful time.
