admin
Gibson Mhaka
LAST week Bulawayo was filled with lots of fun and excitement derived from activities at the just ended 58th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
Running under the theme a�?Harnessing Linkages for Industrial Developmenta�?, which the organisers said was pertinent, as the trade showcase came at a time when the revival of industry is a priority for Zimbabwe, ZITF has no doubt proved to be more than a world trade showcase for some Bulawayo residents but a family fun time to go out with their thrill-seeking children.
The international trade event which blesses Bulawayo residents as one of the few occasions that brings together people of diverse interests and pursuits is undoubtedly considered by many a family as an amusement event where local residents mix business with pleasure.
Trade Fair as the trade event is popularly referred to by residents has also emerged as an interesting family event attracting equal entertainment opportunities for both adults and children.
Although organisers of the annual trade showcase described it as a successful business event, it was also quite a refreshing funfair for many people in Bulawayo who also considered it as a big holiday on the citya��s calendar.
During the international trade exhibition children were given rare treats as they took time to have fun and entertainment in the form of games, fireworks, live music, arctic cat rides, face painting and jumping castles among other things.
At the showgrounds people were treated to police and army displays and drills which are also a mainstay at agricultural shows and other national events around the country.
Talk of the food which was on many of the food stalls, the apple candies, candy floss, pop corn, braai chicken, burgers, chips, fizzy drinks, lolly pops and many others which the children seemed to enjoy so much.
Parents were not even turned off by the exorbitant gate charges which were pegged at $5 and $3 for adults and children respectively.
On Friday and Saturday outside the venue long queues were the order of the day as people streamed to enter into the trade event.
In separate interviews parents who spoke to B-Metro said trade fair had indeed become a traditional funfair family event. They said the annual trade showcase was necessary for their children because they would grow up with the memories of the event sticking with them which they would also pass on to the future generation.
Mrs Margret Nyathi from Hillside suburb said: a�?The last two days of the event which the organisers opened to the public are an ultimate family event and days of fantasy. That is why on these days there is an incorporation of jumping castles, water games, balloon craft, face painting as well as horse and bike ridings.
a�?We see it as a time for us as parents to enjoy with our children before they go back to school for the second term.a�?
She said her family never missed trade fair as her children seem to love this time of the year because there was so much entertainment for them to enjoy adding that the biggest attraction was at the main arena where there were drum majorettes and police displays.
Mr Alex Moyo said Trade Fair was something they had to attend to please not only themselves but their children too.
a�?For us trade fair is just that free time when children and their parents go out to enjoy together without getting bored for a single second. Despite the current economic conditions where cash is scarce we just sacrificed as parents to please our children.
a�?Failure to do so is like making your children a laughing stock because when they go back to school they would be proudly talking about the event. To be honest with you, trade fair is one annual event traditionally known by my children and I always make sure that they attend,a�? he said.
The trade event also enhanced the citya��s national and international relevance as a hub of cultural arts.
It is also not a secret that most parents spend much of their time away from their children and once in a while the whole family needs to get together and spend special moments as one and that time is no doubt during the trade fair.
Tendai Mtisi from Nketa 8 suburb said trade fair besides being an international trade event, encouraged the whole family to have fun while children felt they were being spoilt.
She said it was the time that parents let their children know that they were capable of bringing fun into their life.
a�?Children deserve to be treated with love and be exposed to events that can make them happy. All year round kids should be given an opportunity to express themselves, have fun and enjoy as the little innocent members of our society.
a�?Trade fair is however, such time for our little kids to have fun. This is because the whole family, relatives and neighbours would be involved. Parents should give them that opportunity especially in their presence it is indeed an awesome experience,a�? said Mrs Mtisi.
She further said the event also brought glamour to the City of Kings.
a�?This trade event means a lot to people in Bulawayo as it boosts not only business in the country but it also brings humour and glamour to the peaceful life in our beautiful city. To us it is just like a major holiday like Easter on our city calendar as it helps to economically and socially transform many localsa�� lives with many activities which would be lined up for the event,a�? she said.
Meanwhile, for Abel Mabusa the just-ended ZITF which he cynically described as a�?something for us without usa�? was a preserve for the rich because of the exorbitant gate charges pegged by the organisers.
a�?I really wanted to come with my family but couldna��t do so because of the gate charges which are so exorbitant. Just imagine I have four children and needed $12 to pay for them excluding money for transport and lunch. The last two days being opened to the public should be cheaper as we feel they are just family fun days,a�? he said.
.
Online Reporter