Funfair: Express Family Festival 2016 kicks off

Over 60 stalls set up for families, children enjoy last few days of summer vacations

KARACHI: With summer vacations coming to an end soon, children were well committed to make the most of the Express Family Festival 2016 that kicked off on Saturday.

The two-day family festival, organised by the Express Media Group for the seventh time at Karachi Expo Centre, was inaugurated by Sindh information adviser Maula Bux Chandio.

"I believe such events help bring back joy in the life of the citizens after they have faced severe law and order situations in the city," said Chandio, appreciating and praising the Express Media Group for organising an event full of festivities for the people of Karachi.



Chandio also praised the efforts of law enforcement agencies (LEAs), including the Rangers and police.

"They (LEAs) have brought the peace back in the city and now people do not hesitate to go out and enjoy wherever they want," he said

The festival offered around 60 stalls of various items including, handicrafts, traditional clothes, and household and food items.

"Such events are a great opportunity for us [salesmen] to make good money," said a stall salesman Rafi Azeem, adding that he enjoys dealing with a large number of customers.

Meanwhile, mothers arriving at the festival, along with their children, expressed that all items were being sold at a lower price as compared to regular markets.

"Although we are here for our kids, but I will definitely check out things of my interest as well," said Narmeen, who had come to the festival with her family. The festival was well-organised, she added.

An open-air amusement area was prepared for children where a variety of activities including, swings, games and a magic and puppet show were available to keep the children busy while their mothers spend time shopping.



"My vacations end in a few days so this festival is the last opportunity to make them memorable," said Alina Fatima, a class eight student. "[It's a ] good thing it's happening on the weekend," she added.

"It is no doubt that peace has restored in the city and attending such events gives a message of courage to our enemies out there, said Abdul Wahid, another attendee at the festival. Wahid further appreciated the fact that Express Media Group organised an event providing entertainment for all age groups under one roof.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 24^th, 2016.