Children’s Day Second-hand Market; Mayor Chu shows support
Children’s Day Second-hand Market; Mayor Chu shows support
To celebrate Children’s Day, New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Department held the “Young Store Owner Marketplace” in the 435 Art Zone of Banqiao. Children were able to play the role of an owner of a second-hand store at the event. New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu was present to participate and support the festivities. Mayor Chu visited the booths, joined in DIY toy sessions and folding of balloons, and bought goods sold by the children.
Mayor Chu said that many children were invited to the 435 Art Zone for Children’s Day, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and many under guardianship. Today’s occasion saw many children playing the role of store owners and through selling second-hand goods (toys or goods from their earlier years), these children learn to treasure their possessions and learn the joy of sharing.
While visiting the booths, the mayor had relaxed exchanges with the students; he said the most memorable was the toy DIY, where the participants took recycled CD to make to make spinnable toys. Not only does this activity promote environmental protection, but the materials are also easy to obtain, the finished product is fun, and the process of production is simple and interesting. The mayor invites friends of all ages to give it a try.
The Cultural Affairs Department reported that the “Young Store Owner Marketplace” is an open sign-up event, and from April 4th to June 27th, for every Saturday afternoon, the marketplace will be held. The event has been greatly received since registration opened; over 368 groups of children have signed up for booths for the April timeslots. Today, at the opening of this event on Children’s Day, there were 15 young store owners, accompanied by their parents, participating in the marketplace. Each store owner used a variety of means to attract the attention of the people at the event.
Ms. Lin, a parent, said that when she found out that there is an event where her children can experience the life of a store owner, she immediately signed up. Her children were very excited and helped to prepare second-hand goods days before the event. They cleaned, priced goods and designed ads together, in hopes of winning the attention of the shoppers. Ms. Lin is happy that she and her children can take part in this meaningful activity that instills proper values and economic mindset into the children. There was even one young store owner who promised to donate all of his or her earning of the day to charity organizations so that other disadvantaged children can also enjoy their Children’s Day.
The Cultural Affairs Department said that during the long weekend, other than the “435 Young Store Owner Marketplace,” there are daily performances by children theatre troupes until April 6th, parent-children art classes, holiday movies, and other exciting programs. The department welcomes parents to seize the opportunity and bring their children to the 435 Art and Culture Zone for fun with their children and make it a memorable Children’s Day. For more information, please see the 435 Art Zone’s Official Webpage (http://www.435.culture.ntpc.gov.tw).
For more information: Cultural Affairs Department, Chu, Huian, Tel: 1999 or (02)2960-3456 ext. 4624.