The Year 2000 stepped into Hong Kong amid celebration events highlighted by the Millennium Extravaganza held at the Happy Valley, a spot for Hong Kong people to enjoy their favorite entertainment of horse racing.

As the clock ticked toward zero hour, Tung Chee Hwa, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), led tens of thousands of spectators at the racecourse in a countdown to the beginning of the new year.

In his Millennium Address to the Hong Kong people, Tung wished Hong Kong continuing successes and China a prosperous and bright future.

"We are on the threshold of a new century and a new millennium. A deeper insight of the past will enable us to be better equipped to take on the future and to challenge what lies ahead," he said.

In greeting the new millennium, people cheered and waved the colorful torches, while a fantastic pyrotechnics display brought the Millennium Extravaganza into a climax.

To celebrate the advent of the new millennium, the Hong Kong Jockey Club held the Millennium Cup Charity Race, with the proceeds to go to charities. The racing horse symbolizes the vitality of Hong Kong in the new millennium.

The Millennium Extravaganza, which featured international food bazaars, a lantern display, dragon dances and performances by well- known local and international artists, brought tremendous joy and excitement to tens of thousands of local people.

Apart from the extravaganza, the Hong Kong SAR Provisional Urban Council (PUC) and the Provisional Regional Council (Pro RC) jointly presented the "Municipal Councils' Millennium Carnival" at Victoria Park at night.

Over 64,000 people were attracted to the full-of-fun carnival attended by a number of international and local artists. The free- for-all Carnival, which started at 8:30 p.m., featured entertaining programs that lasted four and half hours.

The highlight of the evening was the moment at mid-night when Municipal Councilors being led by the Dragon Parade, joined in the pop stars and public to countdown for the year 2000. The " Municipal Councils' Millennium Countdown Clock Tower" located at the center of Victoria Park also featured special effect, bringing the public unexpected surprises.

"We expect the advent of a new century will bring Hong Kong - the 'Millennium Metropolitan' new challenges and opportunities. I believe that the hard-working and adventurous attributes of the Hong Kong people will lead us to new highs in the next century," said Christina Ting Yuk-chee, Chairman of PUC's Entertainment Select Committee amidst the cannon effect and big applause of the public.

Through live broadcast of "Global Chinese Radio Simulcast" by RTHK, audience from Hong Kong broke the geographical and technological limitations, and shared the fun and enjoyment with audience in Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Singapore, Guangdong, America and Canada.

Apart from stage performances, the participatory activities were well received by people of different age groups. Interesting games like inflatable bouncing castles in Children's Fun Corner were the favorites of children. The public also enjoyed the information and knowledge provided by three Information Technology (IT) Trunks equipped with computers and accompanied with tutors.

In the downtown Times Square, an outdoor performance was held along with the most exciting event of the series -- a 24-hour international countdown program named "Millennium Live."

The event was broadcast live through a satellite to share the celebration of the Millennium with the rest of the globe while Hong Kong people may also experience the excitement in different time zones.

According to the Hong Kong police, some 1.2 million Hong Kong residents were estimated to have joined in the millennium celebrations.