On September 8, the “2024 Mid-Autumn Bobing King of Kings Grand Prix and Gala” hosted by the Australian Minnan Cla Association (AMA) was successfully held at the Royal Court Restaurant in Bankstown, Sydney, Australia.
More than 600 people from Australia’s political and business circles, overseas Chinese, media representatives and Sydney’s Minnan community gathered together to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, experience Minnan folklore and promote Chinese culture.
At 3:30 p.m. on the same day, the venue was crowded with people, and the annual Mid-Autumn Festival Pok Pok event of Minnan Hometown Association kicked off. The crowd held their breath and gazed intently at the six dice rolling over in a large bowl, making a tinkling sound. With a show, two lifting, three red, four into the one by one, the winner of the first prize was also announced. The hall was filled with laughter and applause, and the atmosphere gradually became more and more enthusiastic.
The first prize winner of the event went to Lam Lai Wah, the top prize winner went to Wong Yun Ki and Chan Yuk Yin respectively, while the top prizes went to Wong Chau Kwan (twice in the middle), Jake H and Joshua.
The evening began with the Australian National Anthem and the National Anthem of the People’s Republic of China.
Mr. Hong Jingwei, President of the Minnan Clansmen’s Association of Australia, said in his speech that it is a manifestation of the Association’s mission to host the Mid-Autumn Festival Pok Pok Gala. Since its inception, the Association has been committed to uniting the majority of Min folks and friends from all walks of life who identify with the culture of Minnan, and to promote the excellent traditional Chinese culture on the basis of accepting the values of freedom, equality and democracy of the Australian society.
Hong Jingwei emphasized, “A tree in the sky must have its root; water in the mountains must have its source.” Hometown Association is the home of Min folks with the same root and origin, folks are not only friends, but also relatives. Taking this opportunity, we can meet each other, catch up with old times, and even guess the fists, with a strong accent, said the deep feelings of the township. He hoped that through this activity, the villagers can further enhance friendship, seek common development, and make their business bigger and bigger, and their lives more colorful.
Mr. Xu Jingcong, Chairman of Australian Minnan Clansmen’s Association, said in his speech that he was especially grateful to the Mid-Autumn Festival Pok Pok Organizing Committee composed of members of the Board of Directors, and it was their careful planning and sincere cooperation that made this activity go smoothly. At the same time, he also expressed his deepest gratitude to all the villagers for their support and enthusiastic help. It was because of their active participation and selfless dedication that the feast was once again a complete success.
Georges River City Councillor Liu Naxin and Strathfield City Councillor Cai Dingjie also made speeches. They highly affirmed the positive contribution of Minnan Association in promoting cultural exchanges between Australia and China and community unity, and Parramatta City Councillor Wang Ronghui also came to send her Mid-Autumn Festival blessings to the guests, wishing all of them good fortune and health, and happiness for the whole family.
Afterwards, the wonderful samba dance performance and the singing of songs such as “Borrow another 500 years from the sky”, “Ruan is from Minnan” and “Good Luck” won the warm applause of the audience. Several rounds of lucky draws added surprise and joy to the evening.
The party ended with a disco group dance and chorus “Love to work hard is the only way to win” by members and guests of Minnan Fellowship Association. The atmosphere of the scene was warm, and the audience participated in it, enjoying this night full of joy and reunion.
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