It is 1:30pm this December 24, 2022, downtown Yaounde and the site hosting the Christmas Yaounde trade fair dubbed Ya-Fe is welcoming visitors.
There is little affluence at the fair in the afternoons as most people especially teenagers and adults prefer to visit the site towards evening especially due to the concerts staged every evening.
I move towards the entrance and I am greeted with young men insisting I take a picture on one of their horses.
While contemplating on whether to say Yes or No, hawkers keep beckoning me to purchase a face mask.
These are the first things which greet every visitor at the YaFe site.
Ticket bought, I enter the fair grounds.
Paparazzis all the way! Photographers are lined up to capture memories of visitors.
Painting of the face is also trending at the fair grounds. Who doesn’t want to look like a music star and more?!
Having fun is key as merry-go-rounds have been placed at strategic points and the ambiance is real!
One thing I notice… queuing up is the order of the day and patience is key. This is true as I realise that some people have to queue up for over an hour before getting their turn on the merry-go-round.
Other games scattered across the fair ground include video games, 3D games and board games.
As for kids as young as six months, there is a section dedicated to them and other children so that they do not miss out on the fun at YaFe.
Made in Cameroon products are also on exhibition. Items available include food stuff, jewellery, foot wear and dresses.
Ever taken a picture on a 360° photo booth? You have the chance to do this at YaFe!
Body care products are also on exhibition as many are making decisions on what skin product to use in 2023.
Toys of all kinds are also available. From toy cars, hats, sun glasses, dolls, to everything that lights up to attract children.
Smoke…food! Yes, food is available almost all over. From pastries to barbecued protein foods to icecram, fruit drinks / juices and alcoholic beverages. After a long walk like mine, one must certainly grab a bite! And so did I!
As I quit the fair ground after about two hours of walking, I realise that the population coming in has increased and so has the congestion. Luckily enough I am already outside, away from the evening crowd!
Eleanor Ayuketah Ngochi
L’article 2022 End of Year: An Afternoon at the YaFe Fair Ground est apparu en premier sur Cameroon Radio Television.
