The volunteers for the day were ready by 9am to welcome all guests and visitors to the carnival. Upon their arrival; majority beautifully clad in their colourful ethnic costumes, guests and visitors took the opportunity to explore the grounds of the carnival. From SCWO’s own booth where volunteers demonstrated the making of Five Stones and Tang Yuen, to the many booths selling traditional snacks and drinks, and even soothing neck and foot massage offered by the Young Women’s Muslim Association, all present at the carnival were definitely in for a wonderful treat.

10am saw the arrival of the Minister of State, Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, followed by Guest-of-Honour and Chief Patron of SCWO, Mrs S R Nathan, who were graciously welcomed by the prominent and distinguished heads of SCWO, Mrs Wee Wan Joo (President of SCWO) and Ms Ann Phua (Chairperson of the International Women’s Day 2007 Organising Committee). Board members of SCWO were also present to welcome our two guests to the carnival.

All eyes were then on the ladies of the Bhangrarobics team who showcased their energetic aerobics routine, which was definitely well received by the guests and the crowd alike. Following the welcome performance, Mrs S R Nathan led the ribbon cutting ceremony which marked the opening ceremony of the carnival.

Guests were then ushered to the front porch, where Mrs Wee Wan Joo and Ms Ann Phua welcomed all present with their respective speeches. Mrs Arfat Selvam (Chairperson of the Women’s Register) then took the stand to introduce the Women’s Register. 100 red and white balloons were then released by our distinguished guests, Mrs S R Nathan and Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon to symbolize the launch of the Women’s Register.

Our Guest-of-Honour was then invited to tour the premises of SCWO where various talks and dance classes were in progress, followed by a sumptious tea reception.

The crowd at the carnival was seen purchasing food items such as the Nasi Kerabu which was sold by the ladies from UNIFEM, local Malay delights such as Nasi Lemak and Nasi Sambal Goreng from the YWMA booth, and desserts such as Cheng Teng and Bubur Hitam from the BAHA’I booth. Visitors were also seen purchasing woven baskets and purses, as well as RISIS items from the SCWO booth which were all kindly donated by the Zonta Club of Singapore. Many also didn’t miss the chance to pamper themselves with the foot and neck massages offered by the ladies from YWMA, and groom themselves with eyebrow and face threading by Selvi’s.

The indoor activities such as the health talks and dance classes were also a hit! Many excitedly signed up for the bhangrarobics lessons as well as the chair yoga sessions. The upbeat music as well as energetic moves of the dance workouts left many refreshed and well stretched.

Many were seen still strolling into the carnival premises in the evening, and they were well entertained by the bollywood and salsa dancers.