Red Cross and Winter Fair
Dec. 28, 1999 - Jan. 10, 2000

The Red Cross and Winter Fair in Chiangmai is similar to an old-time country fair with stalls selling the Province's commodities and crafts, food stalls, entertainment booths, games and rides, and activities for both children and adults. These Fairs are held throughout Thailand at this time of year in each provincial center. Chiangmai, being the second largest city in Thailand, hosts a rather large one.

Among the many events of the Fair, there will be a beauty contest. Young ladies from all over the Province will compete to determine who will enter the Miss Thailand contest in Bangkok as representative from Chiangmai. From there Miss Thailand competes in the international Miss Universe contest.

This Fair is a traditional event for Chiangmai and its residents. Anyone who takes an interest in rural living will find the Fair both entertaining and wholesome. It is not intended as an urban extravaganza, but is designed to serve the needs of Chiangmai's large rural population. It offers the whole Province an outlet for their goods and to provide the thousands of country folk who stream in from their farms and orchards a 13-day festival. Come and join the people of Chiangmai for a good time!

Borsarng Umbrella Festival
Jan. 21-23, 2000

The villagers of Borsarng have been making umbrellas for over two centuries. This over 200-year cultural heritage is being proudly preserved through the cooperation of various government agencies and the private sector, including all the various handicraft producers, as well as the villagers themselves.

Visitors will see how a variety of handicrafts are made. Not just umbrellas, but also fans, lacquerware, silverware, wood carving, celadon ceramics, handwoven cotton and Thai silk.

There are parades along the main street of the village each day of the festival, but the biggest parade is on the opening day (Jan. 7). This parade features traditional old bells, drums and Lanna musical instruments, 'fingernail' and hilltribe dancers, processions of floats decorated with painted umbrellas, beauty contestants, Lanna costumes and traditional offerings for monks. There is a beauty contest, wood carving contests and fan and umbrella painting contests. There is also a contest for the best decorated shops in the village - the whole village gets involved.

This colorful festival symbolizes the unity of the Borsarng community, providing enjoyment after hard work throughout the year and reflecting their economic growth. Any time of the year, visiting Borsarng is a delightful experience, but to visit during the festival is even more fun. We hope you come and enjoy this wonderful festival; bring your camera.

Baan Tawai Wood Carving Fair
Jan. 29 - Feb. 4, 2000

The wood traditionally used is teak, but numerous other varieties are used as well. For furniture and temple decorations, the wood is usually received by the carvers in the form of planks. Designs are drawn on the wood in pencil and then carefully carved with a mallet and various sizes of chisels. The cost of the finished product depends on the complexity and difficulty of the design; some items might be finished in a day or two, while others may take months to complete.

The greatest concentration of wood- carvers is perhaps still in the North, mainly in and around Chiangmai, although many skilled carvers may be found all over Thailand. Shops in Thailand's major cities feature a wide range of carved wood products from exquisitely carved furniture to more common items, such as salad bowls, wooden trays and lamp stands. A thriving export industry has grown from these products.

One of the best known centers for wood carving around Chiangmai is at the village of Baan Tawai, just outside Hang Dong district town. Historically, most of the carvers were farmers who spent their free time making wooden objects, but now with the large number of export companies established in the village, carvers are employed from miles around.

To get to Baan Tawai, drive south about 11 kilometers from Airport Plaza and turn left just before you reach the district office on the right side of the highway. Keep going for about 4 kilometers and you will be in Baan Tawai Village.

Mae Jaem District Dteen Jok Weaving Festival
Feb. 5-7, 2000

Among the activities are: demonstrations and competitions in the weaving of intricate tube skirts, the sale of all types of woven items and cultural performances.

Early in the morning at 10 am on Sunday, February 6 visitors can see a procession of floats staged under the slopes of Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain. All are cordially welcome.

Also coming up in the first week of February ....