Yilan Children's Festival Concludes with Lower Turnout Amidst Typhoon Disruptions

The Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival closed its gates after 44 days, attracting 410,000 visitors. This figure represents a notable drop of 60,000 attendees compared to last year's 470,000 visitors.

Chen Ying-liang, section chief of the Yilan County Cultural Affairs Bureau, cited the impact of two typhoons as the primary reason for the reduced turnout. The festival experienced a three-day closure due to Typhoon Bavi shortly after its July 4th opening. Later, the outer bands of Typhoon Koinu brought strong winds and heavy rain, further deterring potential visitors.

Despite the attendance dip, the festival's closing ceremony on August 16 featured vibrant performances, including a parade by the "Forest Adventure" troupe and a joint performance with Japan's House Ten Bosche Drum Group. International troupes from New Caledonia, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and Mexico also participated, culminating in a collaborative rendition of the Yilan folk song "Diu Diu Tong."

The event also included the symbolic lighting of a "magic stone" by Yilan County acting magistrate Lin Mao-sheng and Speaker Chang Sheng-te, signifying the passing of the festival's magic and good memories. A highlight for attendees was the "Play in Yilan Goodies Draw a Car" event, where Ms. Li from Yilan, now residing in New Taipei City, won the grand prize: a KIA car valued at NT$679,000.

“

Typhoon factors are the main reason for the decrease in visitor numbers.