Although Chinese New Year is not until tomorrow, celebrations for the Year of the Rabbit began early in Prince Rupert with people joining together at the Nisga’a Hall on Sunday, January 30 to take part in the traditional and pleasurable commemoration.
This year, all 14 members of the Prince Rupert Chinese Association organized the event.
The evening was full of Chinese New Year traditions. All announcements were spoken in both the English and Chinese language. There were also plates of oranges placed on each table, which in the Chinese culture represent wealth and success, as well as red paper envelopes with money inside being given out to all the seniors and children attending the
celebration.
There was plenty of
entertainment throughout the evening including a line dance done by members of the Seniors Club, lion dancing done by the Prince Rupert Lions Dance crew, songs on the keyboard, dancing, and singing.
Throughout the celebration there were over 50 door prizes being given away to people attending. All of the door prizes were donated by a number of businesses around the community as well as a draw with top winnings of $500.
Guests of honour included Prince Rupert Mayor Jack Mussallem and North Coast MLA Gary Coons, who both made addresses on Sunday evening. City councilors Joy Thorkelson and Nelson Kinney were also present.
During Mayor Jack Mussallem’s address he talked about Prince Rupert’s economic improvements that will be happening over the next year, such as the creation of more jobs, during his address, later adding that the City is looking forward to the next year. Coons talked about some of the traditions and superstitions that come with the New Year and how much he enjoys Chinese New Year.
“The Chinese New Year is an event I always look forward to. It’s a great time to celebrate,” said Coons.