Kota Kinabalu: Stars and stripes, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, fairground games and live music brought a slice of American life to Padang Merdeka here, Thursday as Sabah joined celebrations marking 250 years of American independence.
Some 600 registered participants took to the streets for the symbolic 2.50-mile (4.1km) Freedom 250 Fun Run, while the Great American Sabah State Fair featured 40 vendors, food, games and contests, including an apple pie competition and a hot dog-eating contest.
US Embassy Kuala Lumpur Chargé d’Affaires David H. Gamble Jr said the milestone anniversary prompted the Embassy to “go big” and give Sabahans an opportunity to experience what an American state fair is like.
Adding to the spectacle were dozens of Harley-Davidson riders and performances by the Pacific Partnership Band, which Gamble said comprised participants from nine nations, including Malaysia.
Drawing parallels between the multicultural character of Sabah and the United States, Gamble said his previous experience of Kaamatan had left an impression on him, adding: “Sabah has this natural feeling. It doesn’t have to be manufactured here in Sabah. It exists. People live it for real.”