National Day’s that one time of the year where we break out the red and white apparel, warble along to classic NDP songs, and reminisce wistfully at our past.
This year, Suntec City will be holding the “Gai Gai” Carnival designed to hit you right in the patriotic feels. Head down between 26th – 28th July and 2nd – 4th August 2019 from 12pm to 9pm to revisit old school games such as pick up sticks, or have a ball of a time on a bouncy castle shaped in a good ol’ nyonya kueh.
Find out what else you can look forward to:
Jotter books, board games and rubber band guns – these are just some of the things that made up most of our childhood. Take the opportunity to tinker with them again at the carnival’s game stalls.
While we don’t frequently use jotter books as much now, you can take yourself back to those days by personalising your very own at the event.
Add stamps to your heart’s content at the Chop Chop Book stall – your primary school teacher might not have approved before, but hey – they’re not here to tell you off now.
Join in a life-sized Snakes & Ladders game
Remember coming together to play board games during recess? Those times are nearly extinct with the onset of smartphones and tablets, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely forgotten.
You’ll also get to participate in a life-sized Snakes and Ladders game with your little one, or try and grab some old school candies from the mini claw machine. Test your mettle at the Bang Bang Gun station to see how many green army men you can hit with a rubber band gun.
If you’ve got the top-notch skills to get a high score, you’ll be duly rewarded with prizes that range from chaptehs, spin tops and Bestman balloons – all rare finds today.
If one thing has remained constant throughout the years, it’s the Singaporean love for food. From our kacang puteh to our muah chee, local snacks are definitely integral to Singapore’s history.
Kacang Puteh
To celebrate our gastronomic roots and its journey through the years, the F&B booths will have home-grown brands bringing you a mixture of old-school snacks and modern munchies. Snag yourself a plate of muah chee at Snack Papa, or sweat it out with a bag of mala-flavoured chips at Mala Mala.
On top of other local-born brands like Udders and Soi 55, get to try unique SG flavours of popcorn from The Kettle Gourmet, such as bakkwa, chicken rice and even teh tarik!
Expect a queue for the traditional ice cream, that’s absolutely free for all visitors. Sandwiched in between rainbow bread or in a cone or cup, these desserts are signature to our country and never go out of style. Locate the friendly staff distributing the ice-cream coupons to redeem this free treat.
Get free ice cream at the event
Don’t forget to bring home a piece of Singaporean pride too – swing by the area65 booth and get yourself locally-themed merchandise that range from Merlion plushies to replicas of Singapore’s old school crockery.
For some of us, childhood meant growing up in Ah Ma’s house. Relive those days at a pop-up space decked out to replicate a typical home of Singapore in the early days. Grab this chance to get a #throwback pic for the ‘gram.
Once you’re done reminiscing, bring the kids by the Kueh Kueh Bouncy Castle. There are slides and jumps galore, but all within the confines of a giant kueh.
You can try to deny it – but Singaporeans are attracted to vouchers, discounts and coupons like bees to honey. If you’re a Suntec Rewards Member, here’s some good news.
From 22nd July to 11th August 2019, spend a minimum of $54* in the mall and you’ll earn 6 Gai Gai Carnival Game Coupons and a choice between an EZ-link card top-up (worth $2) or a parking coupon (worth $2.80). Go the extra mile and you’ll get yourselves a $5 Suntec City voucher after spending $100*. If you aren’t yet a Suntec Rewards member, sign up on the spot and you’ll get to enjoy these freebies!
If you’re looking for somewhere to park on National Day, there’s also free parking from 9th August (7AM) to 10th August (7AM) , with no spend required whatsoever.
If you’re a JCB Cardmember, even better – fork out $80* in a single receipt between 1st August and 31st October 2019 and a $10 Suntec City voucher will be yours. Talk about an excuse to splurge!
*Terms & Conditions apply.
Singapore sure has come a long way, and while things have changed, we still find ourselves thinking fondly about the times we’ve had in the past. With old-school games and snacks lined up for you, the “Gai Gai” Carnival at Suntec City might even get you a little dewy-eyed.
Visit the carnival located at Level 1 of the East Wing (near Promenade Station Exit C) between 12PM – 9PM on 26th – 28th July and 2nd – 4th August 2019 and get transported back to the yesteryears. Best part is that admission is free!
It’ll be a great opportunity for you to spend some quality time with your family and celebrate all the things that make us proud to be true blue red and white Singaporeans.
Address: Suntec City East Wing L1 (Near Promenade Station Exit C)
Dates: 26th-28th July, 2nd-4th August 2019
Opening hours: 12PM-9PM
Admission: Free
This post is brought to you by Suntec City.
Photography by Heng Wei Shin.
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