While many people have already celebrated the start of 2012, there's another set of New Year's celebrations coming later this month. The Chinese New Year comes on Jan. 23, and this year is the Year of the Dragon.
Here's a list of some of the events scheduled for Burnaby already. People who know of more local Chinese New Year events can email details to the Burnaby NOW at edito [email protected].
Three local shopping centres have family-friendly Chinese New Year's events planned.
On Saturday, Jan. 21, Lougheed Town Centre will have events starting at 10: 30 a.m., including a lion dance in the mall's centre court and festivities around the mall.
On the same day, Brentwood Town Centre will have events running from 1 to 4 p.m., including Chinese art and crafts in the children's play area, a Chinese lion and dragon dance in the centre court and the blessing of the merchants throughout the mall.
At Metropolis at Metrotown, the celebrations take place on Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Grand Court and throughout the mall. The celebrations will begin in the Grand Court at 10 a.m., where the lion will "wake up" and begin the parade throughout the shopping centre to bless participating stores. This custom is believed to bestow prosperity and good fortune.
The Grand Villa Casino will host its festivities on Monday, Jan. 23. From 1 to 5 p.m. Meet the God of Fortune and receive a free Year of the Dragon keychain and calendar. At 9 p.m., there will be a traditional lion dance, and at 10 p.m., the grand finale draw for $22,000 will take place. The casino is at 4331 Dominion St.
The Burnaby Board of Trade is also hosting a special dinner to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
The event starts at 5: 30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2 at the Fortune House Seafood Restaurant in Metropolis at Metrotown. This elaborate banquet will feature gourmet Chinese delicacies and will be a great opportunity to build new relationships and network with leaders in Burnaby's Asian business community.
The price is $50 each or $450 for a table of 10 for board of trade members or, for non-members, $65 each or $585 for a table of 10. The price includes gratuities and tips. To register, call 604-412-0100.
The Michael J. Fox Theatre at 7373 MacPherson Ave. in South Burnaby is also hosting a couple of events.
The Chinese New Year Celebration on Friday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. is presented by SFU Chinese students and scholars. Organizers were still putting together more details on this event.
On Sunday, Jan. 29, the Year of the Dragon Celebration at 7 p.m. is presented by the New Star Opera. For ticket information, call 604-802-2221.
For the more mature set, the Bonsor Seniors Centre is hosting a Chinese New Year dinner and dance on Friday, Jan. 20 from 6 to 10: 30 p.m. at 6550 Bonsor Ave. Celebrate with a Chinese buffet dinner, then dance the night away to live music. The event, for those 55 years and older, is $20.95 per person. Please register in advance. For more information, call 604-297-4580.
One more artsy event takes place at the Shadbolt Centre for the Performing Arts at 6450 Deer Lake Ave. on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 11 a.m. to noon.
Art on the Spot - Chinese New Year includes demonstrations, talks, performances, and participatory workshops. These Saturday events allow participants to try out an art form, gain an understanding of arts education and the benefits of arts activities, or simply experience a short performance. The free demos on Jan. 21 include how to use Chinese brushes, ink and paint to create unique works of art. For more, call 604-205-3000.
The Heights is also scheduled to have a Chinese New Year's celebration in North Burnaby on Saturday, Jan. 28, from noon to 2: 30 p.m. The festivities will feature lion dancers performing a special blessing and traditional dance along Hastings Street, from Boundary Road to Gamma Avenue. Those walking along Hastings Street will receive a fortune cookie, a lucky red envelope and a chance to win prizes.
