BUKIT MERTAJAM: Thousands of people converged at the Auto-City in Juru here to usher in National Day.

Merrymakers, shoppers and diners gathered at the venue as early as 7.30pm yesterday to be part of the celebration which was among the highlights of the three-day 2011 GLANZ Merdeka Living Green, Beauty and Health Carnival which ends tomorrow.

A host of events was held to keep the crowd entertained till the countdown which began 10 seconds before midnight.

Penang Health, Welfare, Environ-ment and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh joined Highway Auto-City managing di-rector Gary Teoh and representatives from several sponsors on stage to lead the countdown while waving mini Jalur Gemilang.

The crowd was also thrilled with celebrity appearances and perfor-mances by, among others, Miss World Malaysia 2008 winner Soo Wincci, Bossa Princess Z Yan, and singer, songwriter and TV host Gary Yap.

The three-day carnival was orga-nised by Junior Chamber Interna-tional (JCI) Butterworth City and managed by Glanz Event Manage-ment in conjunction with the National Day.

Other highlights of the carnival is the Miss Glanz beauty contest, a teh tarik competition, a song composing competition and a recycling competition for children.

There is also an exhibition featuring more than 30 booths which, among others, showcase healthcare and lifestyle products, properties and automative supplies. The carnival will be open from 4pm to midnight today and tomorrow. Admis-sion is free.

SOURCE: The Star