Central 62nd Anniversary Celebrataion - Flower Extravaganza at Central Chidlom ( 29 October - 2 Nov 2009)
The flower was unveiled by Thai Celebrity Ann Thongprasom (Flower Extravaganza 2009, Central Chidlom)
Central Department Store is hosting two major events – “Central 62nd Anniversary Celebration” and an annual event “Wonders of Plant Varieties” at Central Chidlom in Bangkok. Water lily is this year theme flower. The company also invites people to cast their votes for the name of a new water lily breed honoring the 77th birthday of H.M. the Queen and win big prizes, including 6.2 baht worth of gold worth valued over 100,000 baht. In addition, the company creates a sprawling outdoor waterlily pond at the heart of the city. This world-class exhibition features 300 waterlily breeds, both day-blooming and nocturnal including 62 special varieties and 15 award-wining cultivars open for public viewing.
The Morakot Park measuring 37m (W) x 41m (L) x 0.6-0.8 m (H)
For this auspicious occasion, Central has collaborated with Dr. Sermlarp Wasuwat of Pang Ubol (Lotus House), a renowned lotus expert to produce a red flowered hybrid Nymphaea. It takes two years to produce a new breed. The nocturnal lily blooms around 6pm and close in the late morning of the next day. The flower is more compact than other varieties and has 32 -34 petals. Naowarat Phongphaiboon, a national artist and SEA Write poet, has graciously invented four new water lily names for vote casting - “Sri Kittya“, “Kittyadhorn“, “Rani Siam” and “Patama Rani” - the most popular of which will be submitted to H.M. the Queen. The name ” Sri Kittya” derives from H.M.’s name ‘Sirikit” gots the most votes. The flower was unveiled by Thai Celebrity Ann Thongprasom.
”Sri Kittya” - a red flowered hybrid Nymphaea
The entire 7-storey Central Chidlom shopping department store is turned into a magnificent heavenly garden of flowers and plants producing a number of stunning widow displays and each floor is beautifully decorated with fresh cut flowers, creating a relaxing ambience for shoppers. The lavish and contemporary floral arrangements are created by three nationally recognized floral designers, including Santipong Kongrak, Thatree Wattanayuenyong, and Suksan Jeamkosit featuring the vibrant and dazzling colours of many local flowers and flora such as rare ladies slipper orchid. It is a feast to the eyes as well as offering countless photo opportunities. Besides flowers, locals and visitors can look forward to traditional Thai performances and delicacies, especially food made from lotus and flower and cooking demonstrations by Thai food connoisseur, M.L. Kwanthip Dewakul and other celebrities like Kwankhao (Paeng) Sawetwimon, famous Thai actress/TV host.
Traditional and contempoary Thai performances from 30 Oct to 1 Nov 2009
In commemoration of Central’s 62nd anniversary, Central has launched new collection of cloth bags to revive the “Central…Love the Earth” project which is a campaign to reduce usage of bags. The new collection is designed by renowned Thai and foreign designers – including Phansakdi Chakkaphak, a leading Thai watercolor artist; M.L. Chiratorn Chirapravati, a famous lecturer and artist who has his own unique style of creative design works; Ms. Arianna Caroli, an Italian artist who falls in love with Thailand and Thai flowers like lotus; and Disaya Sorakraikitikul, a famous designer who owns a fashion brand called ‘Disaya.’ A cloth bag is priced at 395 baht. The net sale proceeds after expense deduction will be donated to the Chaipattana Foundation.
Lavish and contemporary flora arrangements
Central is the first department store in Thailand that initiated a flower event and this event has been held on continuous basis for 15 years now. It’s the event everyone has been waiting for, so much so that this event has been included in events calendar of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. This year event aims at instilling public consciousness of Thainess identities and promote Thai arts and culture for the benefit of future generations. The event will be held at Central Chidlom during 29 October – 2 November 2009.
More promotion programes from 29 October to 15 November 2009 , totaling 18 days, for customers shopping at all Central branches, except Zen.
Getting There:
Central Chidlom is located next to BTS Chit Lom Station
Photography Tip:
Best time to photograph water lily ( 9a.m - 11a.m)
Flower Extravaganza 2009, Central Chidlom Bangkok
