Drone show and extra Mark Six part of PRC founding joy
The government announced on Tuesday that a drone show, a youth singing performance, a bazaar and extra Mark Six lotteries would all be part of local celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Besides the regular fireworks display at Victoria Harbour on October 1, there will be a performance at the West Kowloon Cultural District the night before, where 1,000 young people will sing patriotic songs and stage dance and percussion performances. In late October, the government will host a five-day bazaar with 75 stores with different clansmen associations.  Students will also be able to go on mainland exchange tours to learn more about the country first hand. Chief Secretary Eric Chan said patriotic education and stimulating the economy were among the key themes of the celebrations. He said officials didn't have a breakdown as to how much public money was being spent, but for such a big day, he believed it was well worth the money. "I would say all the activities and events, some major ones, actually they are sponsored by the commercial sector. And some organisations, they just give us donations. They are not government money," Chan said at a press conference. "For some departments, some bureaus, if they need to use money, this will be absorbed in their own expenses." He added that more than 185,000 celebratory items, such as national and SAR flags as well as decorations involving the Great Wall, would be placed at thousands of locations around town.  Tourism and cultural minister Kevin Yeung, for his part, said the drone show would feature many items that include the number "75". For example, there will be 2,099 drones, which is the year 2024 plus 75. "We [also] have 75 stars, and there are some symbols displaying the figures '75'," he said. While the government was offering half-price tickets on National Day for moviegoers, Yeung said ticket buyers would also be given scratch cards, with 10 grand prizes being 75 free movie tickets. Meanwhile, besides 750 free dental checks for elderly people, Chinese medical practitioners would also provide 750 free consultations for seniors, while Ocean Park would give out 750 free tickets to grassroots families. Home affairs chief Alice Mak, meanwhile, said the Jockey Club has agreed that there would be two Mark Six lotteries early next month, with each top prize expected to exceed HK$75 million. Officials said there would be a dedicated website later with the details of the celebratory events.