Backstage Hero--Wan-ping Wu

       Starting from the first Hsichou Cultural Festival in 2010, Teacher Wan-ping Wu, invited by a senior alumnus, has dedicatedly served as an artist of the street parade for three years. During these three years, many groups have participated and put in a lot of effort, such as local communities, the township hall, and some nearby colleges, secondary schools and elementary schools. In general, no one really pays attention to the organizations these groups are from. In such a balanced atmosphere, there is no sense of ranking or distance; there is only a united team that wants the event to be successful. On the other hand, they do hope that local communities and residents can be touched, and have more sense of identity within the hometown. They want to encourage the people in Hsichou to think about the Hsichou features and what they can do for their hometown; to try and see their own creations.

       In the first year of the street parade, Teacher Wan-ping was only an artist of the event. The following year, he was promoted to the position of the artist and administrator, organizing the entire event of the cultural festival. Since she was not from Hsichou and was unfamiliar with the place, she faced many difficulties, which indirectly prevented her from implementing ideas. Her teacher encouraged her not to give up, and suggested she let others understand the issues, so that the event could be continued. Indeed, after taking the advice, she gradually got more help. When people started to care, more and more joined her to make the event successful. Especially in this third year, with lots of villagers putting in the effort, it feels that Hsichou Township has been better than ever.

       There are still some things to be improved for the event, such as the open-to-public vote of the parade competition. The purpose is to have everyone involved in the activity, but here is the problem: the shape of Hsichou Township is long and narrow. If the event is held in the downtown area, the residents living close by will all come, but those living further away may not find it convenient to come and vote. Currently, the team is working to make it better next year.

       They have considered involving local festival ceremonies for the parade next year. Infusing religion will make the event more creative. Besides, more people of different ages will come, which will increase the sense of identity with the arts of the street parade and hometown.