For the past week, the skies over Beirut have been bursting with bright energy as preparations were underway for the Grand Opening celebration of one of the most innovative and highly anticipated projects to grace the country in years. Beirut residents may have seen the dancing sky beams in the sky emanating from the waterfront district, or noticed the telltale red carpet being rolled out on the evening of June 6th. Whatever the case, it was clear that something "big" was about to happen. KidzMondo, the children's edutainment themed park officially opened to the public and began welcoming guests on June 1st, though the city's Grand Opening celebration and VIP reception was held last Thursday evening.
The lively celebration was the first peek inside the long-awaited project for those attending; several of the project's marketing partners, collaborators and prominent Lebanese officials along with notable media personalities took turns posing for the camera on the red carpet as they entered. Guests were welcomed to facility, which was bathed in brightly colored spotlights, for an event that truly encompassed the project's bigger-than-life spirit.
The airport of the city features a large section of a decommissioned MEA plane, and guests were welcomed by this sight as they made their way into the reception area of the city for drinks before the cake cutting ceremony. After a brief cocktail reception, the park's mascots embarked on a spirited parade through the area and KidzMondo's artistic team got in on the action by performing a dance alongside them to the delight of the crowd. After the parade, the KidzMondo team led an organized performance of the Lebanese anthem. Following this, KidzMondo treated guests to a rendition of their very own anthem, created just for the young citizens of this mini-city.
Chairman Mr. Ali Kazma took the stage to deliver a speech commemorating the occasion, welcoming the many VIPs and officials in attendance particularly President Nabih Berry's representative, the former Minister Mr. Yassin Jaber who was given a personal tour through the city by the project's Vice Chairman, Mrs. Hind Berry. Kazma offered his gratitude to the sponsors and media for their continued support, honoring the team's loyalty and dedication throughout the challenging constraints of opening such a grand project in so little time. A special mention was made of co-founder Mrs. Hind Berry and her efforts towards realizing the KidzMondo vision. During his speech, Kazma outlined the city's concept, and shared the exciting news that the Lebanese project is already expanding throughout the region, with KidzMondo locations to open in Turkey and Abu Dhabi soon . After Mr. Kazma's speech, Mr. Yassin Jaber delivered one of his own, remarking about the revolutionary concept of the city and wishing the founders continued success before thanking the team for bringing such a needed concept to Lebanon's shores. After the speeches, a giant cake in the shape of a globe and featuring the four KidzMondo characters was rolled on stage and cut to signify the official opening of Lebanon's first children's edutainment park. The opening of such a unique concept inside Lebanon also attracted the attention of local television media. MTV news crew was on site and interviewed Mr. Kazma for a live segment, which appeared on MTV prime time news that evening. The ceremony was followed by a firework show announcing that: KidzMondo has come to life!
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