The cold weather has made our town high-spirited since late November. Many festivities and celebrations have taken place since then. And, just as we thought that the town would be out all of the fun by the end of January, we found out about 'The Town Fair.'
The fair started during the last week of January, and lasted through the first weekend of February. We did not want to miss out on anything and made it there early. The fair-ground was crowded and seemed to have ten million activities going on at the same time. Loud music, announcement, entertainment, games, and many, many people bustling about! The place was jam packed with all kinds of sight, sound, and smell. Booths upon booths were all around. Food and more food was available on every square inch our eyes could possibly turn to. Next to food was clothing and clothing and more clothing. It was beyond imagination of where all the people were from, as much as who would eat all the food or buy all the clothing and all the rest!
Yet, the Town Fair had just about anything possible to offer for all walks of life, including us!!! It was our delight to find special exhibition from each provincial district and some special governmental departments. We found our favorites, one from each. Chiang Khong District's won our hearts for their exhibits and also the products. Kanit took to their Tai Lue jacket and asked to try it on. It looked quite nice on him.
Another winner of ours was Chiang Saen International Institute for Skill Development's. They offered a hand-on-experience workshop on how to make "Kohm," or "Lanna Lantern," or a traditional paper lantern of the North. The procedure was simple as the staff provided us with ready-made bamboo frames. All we needed to accomplish was to do the pasting and a little decoration.
Regardless of all they had prepared, it still required a lot out of us. Kanit got a head start. I followed suit at a snail's pace.
The job was more tedious and time-consuming than what we would have thought. The night wore on as we were working away.
Others finished their projects and gone. So did Kanit. I was a bit slow. It was not until a little before midnight that I could finally accomplish my 'kohm.' The staff were both overjoyed and much relieved to see my product. I was the last and they were more than happy to see this 'Cinderella' leave, so that they could quickly clean up and close for the night.
We carefully held up our 'kohm' and walked proudly a long way to the parking lot.
Two special 'kohm' found themselves a home late that night. They greet us cheerfully every morning from then on. What a lovely little present from the Town Fair!
