May Wong, Channel NewsAsia 12 Sep 08;
SINGAPORE : The Singapore Garden Festival has won six awards at the 53rd International Festivals and Events Association Convention & Expo in Boise, Idaho, USA.
Out of over 1,400 entrants, the Singapore Garden Festival obtained a Silver award in the Grand Pinnacle category. This category is the Grand Champion prize in the awards competition.
Some of the other awards given to the Singapore Garden Festival were Gold for both the Best Ad Series and the Best Street Banner categories.
The Singapore Garden Festival was up against other renowned festivals like the Rose Parade, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and The Hague Festivals.
The International Festivals & Events Association recognises outstanding examples of quality and creativity in the promotional programmes and materials produced by festivals and events from around the world.
The National Parks Board's chief executive officer, Ng Lang, said: "This is an outstanding win for a first-time entrant to the Awards competition. We are competing against major league players like the Rose Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show and Kentucky Derby Festival.
"This win will truly inspire us to come back with an even better festival when the 2010 show returns." - CNA/ms