When manhole covers need to be replaced, 4-metre high fencing put up around stretches of Marina Bay and 2,000 service supervisors given refresher training, you know something big is about to happen.
The last time there were such feverish preparations was in 2006, when the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings came to town.
But the spotlight on Sept 28 will not be on businessmen in well-pressed jackets and polished shoes.
Instead, more than 100,000 pairs of eyes and millions more on global television will be watching 20 drivers from 10 elite teams zoom around Marina Bay in Formula One's first night race.
"I've waited 20 years for the day to come and now it's almost here," said Lim Chin Beng, who coincidentally
celebrates his 76th birthday on race-day and has been invited to view the event from the exclusive Paddock Club.
In the late 1980s, the then-Singapore Tourism Promotion Board chairman was involved in discussions to bring a race here but could not get government and private sector support.
Anticipation among other Singaporeans has been rising too, since the country was awarded the rights to host the race in May last year.
Over 95 per cent of tickets have been sold, with nearly half bought by overseas fans.
Only six of the 180 corporate suites are left.
Excitement is set to increase in the following weeks, and reach fever pitch by Sept 22, the Monday of race-week.
Exhibitions, parties and other F1-related events will be held islandwide, along with numerous themed products available for shoppers.
With about 40,000 tourists expected for the event, hotels, for one, have been quick to be associated with the sport.
Fullerton Hotel's Post Bar and Pan Pacific's The Atrium are among those that have come up with F1-inspired cocktails, sporting names such as Turbo Shots and Monaco Hairpin.
Over at the Marriott Hotel at Tang Plaza, an ING Renault pavilion has been set up with a replica F1 car and interactive walk-through exhibits on the sport's history.
"Our aim is to bring F1 to the masses," said Corinne Chua, the marketing manager for Wearnes Automotive, the event's co-organisers.
McLaren will also be displaying this season's sleek MP4-23 vehicle at the Paragon from tomorrow till Sept 24.
For those who prefer something a little different, a 4.7m-long chocolate racing car is at the Royal Plaza on Scotts till the end of next month.
The Singapore Tourism Board is also staging the Singapore GP season from Sept 20 to Oct 5. This line-up of lifestyle events, like the Singapore Motorshow, is built around the race.
And to ensure visitors leave with a good impression, the STB has been teaching 2,000 F&B, entertainment and retail supervisors on the finer points of customer service.
Even the Science Centre has jumped on the motorsports bandwagon.
The Science of F1 exhibition began yesterday and runs till Oct 31.
Food and beverage outlets and tourist attractions, especially those located within or close to the circuit, are expecting more business this month.
Singapore Flyer general manager Steven Yeo said: "The race will change the perception of Singapore from a staid city to one that is a hip place to work, live and play in.
We'll do our part to present ourselves as 'party central' within the circuit,with performances and other events lined up."
Nightspots like Timbre are hosting their own functions,with jazz, classics, pop and other themes, that will stretch for several days.
St James Power Station is planning to host the McLaren team,with driver Heikki Kovalainen set for an appearance.
Of course, having the circuit in the heart of town, with such entertainment outlets a hop away, helps elevate the buzz factor in the lead-up to and during the race.
Noted McLaren chief executive officer Martin Whitmarsh on street races: "That's something that really engages the people and fans, far more than at a purpose-built circuit out of town."
While F1 is set to be the biggest sporting event on Singapore's calendar for the next five years, former tourism chief Lim stressed the Republic must not stop there.
"We should continue aiming for world-class events."
"This will make Singapore a playground for the rich and famous, a real global city with buzz."
This article was first published in The Straits Times on August 31, 2008.
