Baptist church organises event with HDB estate's merchants association
CHRISTMAS lights are coming to the heartland.
Marine Parade will be the first neighbourhood to have a largescale community-driven Christmas light-up - costing more than $100,000 - this year.
Marine Parade Promenade and Central will be brightened by blue and silver lights and giant snowflakes from Nov 30 to Jan 6.
A three-storey-high Christmas tree and a bazaar with charity stalls, carnival games and festive food are also being planned.
The hawker centre will be decked out with lights in the shape of holly wreaths.
The Christmas festivities are jointly organised by Faith Community Baptist Church (FCBC), which has a branch in Marine Parade, and the Marine Parade Merchants Association (MPMA).
FCBC senior pastor Lawrence Khong said this is the church's way of giving back to the community. He said: "This is an excellent opportunity for us to connect and share the spirit of Christmas with the Marine Parade residents and community."
The church first approached the merchants association, which holds annual Christmas-themed trade fairs in Marine Parade Central, with the idea. FCBC came up with the theme and design and will be the event's main sponsor. It has engaged outdoor decorations company Rich-Art Enterprises to produce and install the light-up.
MPMA chairman Tan Ai Koong said the festivities would attract more visitors to Marine Parade, which would in turn benefit merchants in the area.
Marine Parade Town Council is not directly involved in the Christmas activities but supports the event, a spokesman said.
Mountbatten MP Lim Biow Chuan, who is also second adviser to Marine Parade grassroots organisations, told The Straits Times that it will bring the Christmas mood to the heartland.
He said: "If you're living in the heartland, you don't have to go all the way to Orchard. You can have a bright and cheery moment in the estate as well."