HCM CITY (VNS) — More than 180 varieties of specialty fruits from 21 cities and provinces will be showcased at the Southern Fruit Festival that will open on June 1 at the Suoi Tien Theme Park in HCM City's District 9.

The highlight of this year's event is a floating fruit market with more than 70 boats loaded with different kinds of fruits that will be sold at 20-40 per cent lower than market prices over the next three months, according to organisers.

Nearly 1,000 fruits of 11 kinds have been entered in a ‘safe and delicious fruits' contest to be held during the fair. There will also be a fruit parade and arrangement to depict graphic arts, art performances, and folk games.

Kids will get free tickets to the eventl on Children's Day, June 1. Last year the fair attracted more than 1.6 million visitors who bought more than 1,000 tonnes of fruits.

The festival, which debuted in 2004, has become a popular cultural tourism activity, La Quoc Khanh, deputy director of the city Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, its organiser, said.

It will go on until June 8. — VNS