Tomorrow and on Saturday, the public and private sectors of Samut Songkhram will host the annual Khao Yai Pomelo festival in front of the provincial hall from 9am-7pm.
The Khao Yai strain of pomelo.
The Khao Yai (big and white) strain of pomelo is an economic crop, which has brought fame and income to farmers. It is known for being seedless. while its flesh is the colour of honey and tastes sweet and sour. Pomelos from Samut Songkhram are grown toxin-free.
Since the pomelo is considered an auspicious fruit by the Chinese, it is used in religious ceremonies and is believed to bring good fortune.
At the fair, visitors can taste and buy fresh pomelos from 65 orchards and shops at low prices, shop for local handicrafts and products from the province's three districts and watch pomelo contests.
Visitors can also visit fruit orchards, and local temples and markets, such as Talat Rom Hoop, Bang Noi and Amphawa.
Contact the TAT Call Centre 1672.
Biking contest in Suphan Buri
On Sunday, the third Cycling Contest in the ''City of People with a Rural Accent'' will be held by Suphan Buri Cycling Club at Don Chedi Monument in Don Chedi district, Suphan Buri.
The aim is to encourage youth to exercise and refrain from narcotics and to promote energy saving and local tourism. The events in the previous years attracted about 1,500 participants.
The contest is divided into two categories: the 101km race, which participants must complete within 260 minutes, and the 69km race, which must be done within 180 minutes.
Call the organiser on 085-136-2010 or 080-925-5552 or email suwit7@hotmail.com
Rice-giving ceremony in Suphan Buri
The public and private sectors of Suphan Buri and Chao Phor Lak Muang Shrine Committee will host the annual Thing Krachad (rice-giving) ceremony, which will be held at Tong Hua Huay Kuang Association on Phan Kham Road, Muang district, on Aug 24-28 and on Sept 1-4.
Visitors should not miss the opening ceremony, which begins at 6am on Aug 24 at Chao Phor Lak Muang Shrine with the procession of Chao Phor Lak Muang statue with Thai-Chinese cultural performances.
There will also be floating-lantern and fish-releasing ceremonies, a golden dragon dance and a ceremony to worship the ancestors.
The tradition is performed annually with the aim to make merit for the deceased. People will give rice, dried food and offerings to shrines, which will be later collected and donated to the underprivileged.
Contact the provincial administration office on 035-535-380 or TAT's Suphan Buri office on 035-536-030 or 035-535-789.
Ani-Com in Hong Kong
Those who love animation and comics should not miss the Hong Kong Ani-Com Summer 2003 festival, which brings the fantastic world of animation, games and collectibles to life.
The highlight is Comix Home Base, an art centre revealing the island's own comic heritage since the 1960s.
The centre will present the Comix Home Base: Tribute To Masters series (i): ''The Birth of a Hero _ Exhibition of Ma Wing Shing's Comic Works'' and masterclass from Aug 22 to Oct 20.
From Aug 17 to Sept 1, the third stop of Comics X Figures _ Hong Kong Ani-Com Figure Show at Hong Kong Avenue of Comic Stars will be shown at Kowloon Park Arcade.
Visit www.acsummer.hk/en
Any comments or news to share?
Email pichayas@bangkokpost.co.th
