Taichung City Information Bureau held a banquet with a variety show at Feng Yuan Stadium on October 7 for the rise of Taichung to the 2nd largest city of Taiwan in celebration with the people. The “thousand people banquet” was served with the exotic cuisines prepared by Cheng Yan-Chi (or Master Chi) from local food materials in floral design. The show featured the performance of Chiu Yi-Yi, Lee Chien-Na, LULU, Shen Wen-Cheng and other famous singers with affiliation to Taichung. Mayor Lin shared the joy with the people in this occasion. The mascot of the Floral Expo, the father leopard cat and mother leopard cat, were also present to witness the honor and glory of the city.

Mayor Lin, Taichung City officials, Legislator Hung Chi-Yung, City Councilors Chen Ching-Lung, Ong Chun-Mei, Chang Ya-Min , Hsieh Chi-Chung, and a number of representatives from districts and sub-districts were present. Mayor Lin and the mascot of the Floral Expo, father and mother leopard cats, and the public jointly watered the bean seedling, the symbol of Taichung City, to bless for the thriving development of the city.

Taichung is a livable city and many people have migrated to Taiwan over the years, said Mayor Lin. Being the 2nd largest city, Taichung held the celebration banquet at Feng Yuan that symbolized “dry firewood, white rice, clear water, good smelling cake, and pretty girls”. The banquet was arranged in the traditional Taiwanese style where Master Chi was requested to use the food materials native to Taichung for the dishes. This also symbolized the theme of Taichung Floral Expo in 2018. Singers with affiliated to Taichung were invited to perform so that all Taichung residents shall express their joy with songs to embrace the coming of a new era.

Coincidentally, this was also the centenary of “Taichung Railway Station”, the “Second Market” and the “Union of 7 Matsu Goddess”. As Taichung becomes the 2nd largest city of Taiwan in July, the Information Bureau of Taichung specifically held the celebration with a thousand people banquet and a concert in the traditional style. Famous signers with an affiliation to Taichung were also invited to perform. Series of image depicting Taichung were brought before the people there so that they could review the heritage and the new look of the city for the last century.

The “Thousand People Banquet” was served by the five-star catering team of Master Chi. A 10-course menu featured exotic cuisines such as “Floral Scent for Attraction of the Guests”｢花香開味迎賓集｣, “Braised Duck with mushrooms and lotus root”｢芙蓉睡蓮香菇鴨｣, “Ribs with Radish with Floral Aesthetic”｢花豔玉排扣白玉｣, Chicken Soup with Rafflesia Fruits”｢霸王花果燉雞湯｣. There were 90 tables reserved by the public lucking out and 10 tables were reserved for the social vulnerable groups so that they could share the good food with the others.

The variety show started at 6:00 pm with the performance of Feng Yuan Junior High School Orchestra in traditional Chinese musical pieces to warm up the event as early as 5:00 pm. Entertainers Belle Yu and Hsu Chih-Hao led the “Set Superred” to Taichung for the first time. The program was filled with local features, including the signing of Huang-Lu Chi-Yin, Shen Wen-Cheng, Lee Qian-Na, Chiang Huei-Yee, and Lao Nuo Band of Taichung in rotation. They witnessed the development and change of Taichung and expressed their pride in being the people of Taichung. The show was highlighted by Chiu Yi Yi that brought into a climax.

Those who could not get admission to the Thousand People Banquet from the lottery pick also attended the variety show at Feng Yuan Stadium that made the event vivid, according to the Information Bureau. Taichung City Government specifically prepared a souvenir for the people who have attended the event to encourage their witness of the rise of Taichung into the 2nd largest city of Taiwan.