 "Photo: Courtesy of Chris Young")
The COS gymnasium was a vision of red and gold for the 7th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration.
Dr. K. Kwong, a Dr. at the Center for Integrated Medicine and the Mistress of Ceremonies, started the event and has kept it going all these years. Kwong gave the opening ceremonies and went on to give a presentation about the Chinese New Year and an explanation of its symbolism and customs.
Guests were welcomed with an itinerary as they entered the gym and were encouraged to walk about and observe the booths, which ranged from Chinese cultural arts/ Chinese New Year décor to Chinese history. There was even a book signing by Mabelle Sellannd, writer of the book From China to Fresno: A Love Story.
Anne Miller, a volunteer worker for the event and a former patient of Dr. Kwong, explained different Chinese snacks typically eaten during the new year; ginger candy, dried fruits, watermelon seeds, and peanuts were only a few from the selection beautifully laid out.
“This is probably the biggest and most community involved [Chinese New Year Festival] I’ve been involved with,” Miller said.
Dancers also were seen at the event. Jennifer Yanagi and Jing Meng performed the “Classical Chinese Dance of the Butterflies." Both were dressed in colorful dresses that resembled a butterfly and glided across the floor.
“I’m having fun,” Says Yanagi
Some first timers were also enjoying the festivities. Tommy Smart, a student from University Prep. High School, laughed with friends as they waited in line for one of the booths.
“I didn’t know about the animal symbols,” Smart says, referring back to the presentation by Kwong. “Its all pretty cool.”
Should anyone want to volunteer for the next New Year celebration, contact Dr. Kwong at the Center for Integrated Medicine at 625-4246.
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