24 September 2017 marked the 1st anniversary of The Brooke Gallery and the 176th of the State of Sarawak. The day was themed 'Sarawak Young Explorers' Day 2017' and filled with festivities aimed at celebrating a shared historical journey.
Festivities began early at the Fort with the Young Historians' Race, engaging energetic secondary school students (in historical costume) with one another's cultural traditions, traditional food tasting, and a historical exploration through the gallery. Guests and visitors were introduced to Silat, a form of local martial art, and entertained by an expert troupe of lion dancers.
Meanwhile across the river, the first ever Cardboard Boat Race in Malaysia was flagged off by Yang Berhormat Fazzrudin A Rahman, State Assemblyman for the local Tupong constituency. The competitors brought their boat designs to life with cardboard, plastic bottles and some impressive ornamentation. The inaugural race was a triumph of ingenuity and team spirit, crews braving current and crocodiles and (mostly) managing to reach the supporting crowds on the far side.
It was a whirlwind day of history, culture, tradition and community in an atmosphere of goodwill and fun, as envisioned by the Trust for all its projects.
