Boma Road Festival is here again!

Just how many people can fit in a local town bus? Well, you will get both the answer and a lot of more fun, at this year’s Annual Boma Road Festival set to take place along Boma Road, as from the 5th to 7th of September 2003. One of the event organizers, Fanuel Kagengere, explains further.

By Nyamanoko Bwire and Naomi Mwakasege (TSJ)

ANSWER: Yes, the festival has advanced very much. As you can see, we are now in position to print these promotional leaflets, the event has even managed to attract the attention of the media and local people have began to understand and accept the festival as an important and useful event.

A: This year we have added eight new activities. Last year the festival had only three, but the Boma road festival 2003 is going to have a total of eleven events.

A: Well, there is this new idea about "How many people can fit in a Dala dala?" (The local town buses), Strongest Security Company Truck Pull, Contest, Fruit Ladies Fashion Show, Marching Bands, Art Competitions, Fastest Camp Set up, Funniest Car, Skit Imitating Wageni, Cart racing, Mkokoteni Parade, Fastest Parking Ticket Writer and various activities for children.

The East African Community (EAC) and the UN-Tribunal will also have information booths at the festival as well.

Last year, we had Maasai jumping contest, the fastest waiter competition and the biggest chapati competition.

A: As usual, the Boma Road Festival 2003 will also run for three consecutive days. The event starts on Friday the 5^th and will end on Sunday, the 7^th of September this year.

However, this is due to inadequate time of preparations. But as time goes by, in future, we expect to increase the duration time because it is also within our plans to incorporate more activities.

A: No, the section of the Boma Road to be closed for the festival will remain the same, that is from the Clock Tower branch of Post Office to the Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited (TTCL).

But should it be found necessary, then chances are we may increase the distance to cover the Municipal grounds and the National Natural Museum premises at the Old German Boma.

Again, if we acquire the relevant permits, there is also the possibility of having a similar event at the Kaloleni Arusha Declaration Museum grounds, near the Mwenge roundabout junction.

A: From all over Tanzania, these range from individual participants, local companies, restaurants and tourist hotels plus tour companies.

We expect foreigners to also participate and these are mainly going to be tourists visiting the northern zone attractions and staying at the participating hotels.

A: Just learned how to do things better. We’ve learnt from our past mistakes and the last year’s festival was also another stage of improvement.

A: The events are aimed at promoting, supporting and exposing local artists, aspiring talents, art, music ands local crafts. The festivals are also meant to integrate different cultures, bringing together charities, NGO’s plus creating a weekend of fun to the Arusha Community, free of charge.

A: Well, first it is because the road is a historical one. Secondly, Boma is not exactly a very busy road, when compared to other roads in the municipality. I mean you can’t close off a road like Sokoine (Uhuru). But Boma road, even when closed for three days, will not cause much inconvenience to Arusha residents. 

Last modified: August 22, 2003.
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