Several Saudi officials joined hundreds of other guests to attend a food festival at the Taiwanese diplomatic premises to mark the Chinese New Year here.

“I and my wife , embassy officials and staff thank all guests who showed up for the food festival tonight,” Jin-Jong Lin of the Taiwanese Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) said.

Guests had a good time enjoying food items and sharing current new and information on various subjects, he said.

“I am happy that I and my kids have been able to attend and meet old and new friends while enjoying the food,” said a Saudi colonel who requested anonymity. He said his children were happy to be invited for the event. An American woman who also requested anonymity said she and her friends were happy to have attended the event.

A Turkish national said, “To have come and partake of the food and meet new friends is exciting indeed. The festivity of the atmosphere makes this event something to remember.”

The children had a good time as well. Aside from enjoying the food, they also had a great fun as a lady clown made different antics to entertain them.

“She sang, danced and played with the kids to the latter’s delight. This early, my kids are saying we’d attend if invited again for this festival next year,” said Eric P. Asi, an engineer.

The TECRO also brought in someone to draw on the faces of the children who drew afterward the attention of visitors as they ran around the garden where the event was held.

Adding gaiety to the ambiance are the ornamental lights in the shrubs and trees, helping create a festive atmosphere.

“I and my kids are looking forward to this event, assuming that we would be invited again next year,” said a Filipino housewife.