Undeterred by the heavy fog and inclement weather, tourists from across the State and neighbouring state of Karnataka thronged the hill station of Yercaud on the final day of the three-day winter second season flower festival on Sunday.
A large number of students braved the inclement weather and arrived at the hill station in two-wheelers from the break of dawn.
Dense fogThe dense fog forced the organisers of the flower festival to cancel boat race for the tourists, one of the major attractions of the three-day event, much to the disappointment of both the participants and the visitors alike.
However, the other events of the day such as dog show, sports events for government servants, musical debate, saxophone concert, light music concert, and photograph exhibition attracted the attention of the tourists.
The breeds that took part in the dog show were Doberman, Pomeranian, German shepherd, Labrador, Bull dog, the native Rajapalayam, Kombai and Sippiparai.
M. Jayakumar and M. Mayilsamy of Tiruchengode entertained the visitors through their saxophone concert, while Mullai Nadavarasu of Dindigul was the moderator at the musical debate. Light music concert by Thanjai Sinnaponnu Kumar, Pavithra and Janagan was well received. District Collector K. Maharabushanam honoured the artistes and the winners of the dog show.
The vegetable carvings displayed by the Department of Horticulture also attracted a large crowd.
The students of the Shevaroys Institute of Carving and Craft displayed their craftsmanship. They had displayed vegetable carving, fruit carving, plate presentation, chocolate carvings at the show.
The State Horticulture Department took advantage of the festival to market saplings of rare fruit varieties.
The overwhelming response from the tourists for the festival has delighted the district administration.
Till January 3The decorated arches and the flower varieties will be displayed for the benefit of the visitors till January 3, according to Mr. Maharabushanam.
The Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operated special buses from Salem and other parts of the western districts to Yercaud.
