Lunar New Year fair slithers into the Year of Snake

All fifteen Lunar New Year fairs open today and will run for a week, with some arriving early for New Year shopping to prepare for the upcoming Year of the Snake. 

Many vendors began setting up early at the largest Victoria Park market, which features 391 goods and wet vendors, as well as four fast food stalls.

One of the vendors, surnamed Choi from the King's College Old Boys' Association, mentioned that 30 young people were assisting with preparations -- half were current Form 4 and 5 students and the other half were university students -- hoping to draw customers with youthful energy.

Due to the uncertain consumption sentiment, Choi noted this year's target is to break even with creative festive goods, including couplets, dolls and decorations, adding that they would increase online promotions in the mainland.

Another merchant who sells peach blossom, Yueng, stated that the flowers this year bloomed slower owing to recent dry weather, underlining that the scarcity will raise the price by 30 percent, ranging from HK$200 to several thousand dollars. 

Some citizens arrived around 9.30 am, mentioning it was their tradition to purchase flowers to bring prosperity and good fortune to the family. Some proudly showed the orchids they bought, noting that arriving early gives them more alternatives.

Meanwhile, some parents took a day off to bring their kids to the market for school activities, matching some common New Year market items such as orchids, daffodils and tangerines with worksheets.

They revealed it was their first time visiting the market in the early morning.