This year’s Christmas Carnival at Kelantan Court pavilion began with volunteers quickly and enthusiastically setting up various booths. The excitement was palpable.
Residents of this neighbourhood, including those from the apartment blocks on Jalan Berseh and Kelantan Road and members of the Wesley Youth Centre, made their way to the carnival.
This event is an annual effort organised by Wesley Christian Outreach and Social Concerns (COSC) in collaboration with the Residents’ Network (RN).
A cheerful senior who lives at Block 29, Kelantan Road arrived early to enjoy the carnival and soak in the happy atmosphere.
Madam Ho was waiting for her husband to be seated next to her. Whilst chatting with her, I learned that she requires dialysis three times a week.
She has attended Wesley’s Christmas Carnival for the past few years and loves the experience. Madam Ho was beaming with excitement, anticipating an afternoon of fun and laughter.
BONDING, HEARTFELT LAUGHTER AND MEANINGFUL SHARING
Our lively youths, all aged 15, crafted vibrant game zones and supported the food booths.
“Our Wesley youths planned and manned five game booths along with five food booths. This December, Youth Ministry sought to respond to God by serving Him, witnessing for Him and sharing His love with communities beyond Wesley through the Christmas Carnival, another community project and four mission trips,” says Natalie Chua from Wesley Youth Ministry.
The booths were often punctuated by laughter or triumphant shouts. Much of this came from the BOWL BOWL BOWL, Merry Christmas booth, where players joyfully tried to knock down a set of pins to earn a prize.
The Bloke’s FC game was organised on the lawn beside Kelantan Court. The sun was shining when the game began. Participants had three attempts to kick the ball into the net, targeting different sections to earn points.
The winners exchanged their points for cuddly plushies, unique-themed keychains or pens, interesting stickers and snacks, which they could collect at the carnival booth. About 20 minutes into the game, rain began and the activity was halted, although the spirits among the guests and volunteers were not dampened.
Another exciting game, Cup Pong, invited players to toss ping-pong balls into colourful labelled cups. Each cup was marked with points that could be exchanged for delightful lollipops, Milo sachets, gummies, crackers or instant noodles.
Quite a few people at the carnival tried the Rifle Range booth. Determined participants gripped the Nerf toy gun loaded with five foam bullets. They aimed with focus at a stack of 10 cups, feeling the thrill of each shot and the joy of hitting their mark.
The Back-in-Time booth featured three traditional and well-loved Singaporean games: marbles, Chapteh and Five Stones. Those familiar with them enjoyed reliving nostalgic moments.
Throughout the carnival, there was a never-ending queue for the wonderful freshly popped popcorn. The air around the booth was filled with the irresistible scent of sweet buttery popcorn, drawing crowds eager to indulge even if it meant waiting. Just beside it, some attendees enjoyed the sweet taste of candy floss, its bright blue colour adding to the festive spirit of the day.
Not only did the youths conceptualise the games but they also passionately helmed the booths, encouraging seniors and even the youngest children to join in the fun and fostering joy.
‘I truly loved volunteering at the Cup Pong booth. I would eagerly seize the opportunity to participate again in next year’s Christmas Carnival,’ says Brandon Ng from Wesley Youth Ministry.
‘It was such a fun experience serving at the Rifle Range booth. Our team rallied together and helped the attendees enjoy an immersive game’, adds Rachel Ng, also from Wesley Youth Ministry.
CARNIVAL’S THRILLING HIGHLIGHTS
Attendees were captivated by two invigorating dance performances at the Carnival, both presented by the Kelantan Residents’ Network: the spirited Youth Dance and a graceful cultural Chinese dance. Together, they brought colour and energy to the celebrations.
Doreen Soh, Wesley Youth Centre (WYC) Chairperson, who served as the emcee, led a lively sing-along session that included a well-loved Christmas classic, Feliz Navidad.
The Guest of Honour, Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng, Mayor of Central Singapore District and Advisor to Jalan Besar GRC (Kampong Glam), together with Wesley’s Pastor-in-Charge Rev Raymond Fong, delightedly joined the happy sing-along, warmly greeting attendees with friendly handshakes.
Two highly anticipated lucky draws sparked excitement and fostered a joyful atmosphere. Rosalind Heng, a resident of Block 26, Jalan Berseh, was thrilled to win one of the top prizes. With a warm smile, she shared that it was not her first time attending Wesley’s Christmas Carnival.
Despite ongoing leg pain that prevents her from attending church services, she finds solace and happiness in being part of the annual celebration. She cherishes the Carnival because it is held so close to her home, allowing her to experience the Christmas spirit.
Ms Denise Phua addressed the attendees, beginning with a gentle reminder to treat one another respectfully as neighbours in the community as an expression of care and concern. She also spoke about the celebrations organised throughout the year for residents.
Ms Phua added that Christmas is often associated with Santa Claus. However, for Christians and believers around the world, it is a sacred and joyous season that commemorates God sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into our midst as a divine gift of unconditional love.
“Christmas is a sacred and joyous season that commemorates God sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into our midst as a divine gift of unconditional love.”
When it was his turn to speak, Pastor Raymond expressed his wish that every person present would experience God’s unconditional love. His prayer was for all to enjoy good health and to be showered with God’s abundant blessings until hearts and lives overflow with His glorious grace.
Throughout the Carnival, countless heartfelt moments unfolded, leaving a lasting impression. I witnessed a dedicated volunteer gently guiding a senior attendee along a slippery path as she made her way home, embodying kindness and compassion.
As the event drew to a close, I saw a thoughtful youth volunteer distributing snack packets to those who lingered behind, sharing joy and care until the very last moment.
(Photos by Elaine Tan)
View and download more Carnival @ Kelantan court photos here
Read also: Wesley Prison Ministry Christmas Outreach: Blessings, Belonging, Believing
