ISLAMABAD, Dec 10: Thousands thronged the Jinnah Convention Centre despite inclement weather to enjoy the Dawn All About Lifestyles Expo 2006, a leading annual extravaganza, that concluded here on Sunday.

Heavy rain that lasted for hours failed to eclipse the charm and appeal of the two-day event, as many had to return home without feasting their eyes on the rich shopping-cum- entertainment attractions when the close-down was announced at 7pm — three hours before the scheduled time.

“Rains are usual in this region of Potohar, but Dawn Lifestyles comes to this fun-starved area only once a year.

“We can’t take any chance to miss this event,” said Saleema Irfan, a mother of five, who had arrived at the venue in the morning all the way from Adiala Road.

For the people of the twin cities, the expo has become a household name and is awaited desperately by people, especially children and women.

“I cannot express how exited my children were when we saw the ads of this expo on a roadside,” said Ms Shamim Majeed, a resident of Sector F-10.

Dog show, a permanent feature of the Lifestyles gala, however, had to be curtailed due to bad weather. Over 100 dogs of different breeds had to participate in the event.

“We really enjoyed shopping at the stall of the Gown House. They offered us some cheap, but quality sports wear,” said Any David, a foreigner, who enjoyed shopping at the stall which displayed gears for hunting, shooting, travelling, camping, fishing and hiking.

The food corner remained the much-occupied spot at the expo, where rich traditional and modern cuisines delighted the visitors.

“My wife dies for Chicken Achar. And when you are offered an opportunity to eat it with your family amidst an aura of celebrations and a crowd of exited people, the offer turns out to be very rare in a dull city like Islamabad,” said Abdullah Khan, who had brought along his whole family including his elderly mother.

A large number of people enjoyed sipping hot coffee while listening to songs at FM89 stall.

A large number of visitors urged the government to build a permanent exhibition centre and an indoor facility in the federal capital where such exhibitions could be held without the fear of bad weather.

“I wonder how the capital of a country of 160 million is deprived of such a basic facility. We know that on many occasions, rains had played havoc with the industrial exhibitions in the twin cities due to the unavailability of a proper venue,” said Amna Ali, a resident of Rawalpindi.

People also appreciated the relatively lower prices of various items at the expo. Nikon, Olympus, Ravi Motorcycles, K&N foods, Dalda and Nurpur were among many stall-holders under the tented exhibition area that also housed stalls of wooden and interior decorations and bathroom fittings.