By Hadley Catalano

The Chinese Lunar New Year brings with it the Year of the Dragon. Considered the most favorable symbol of success and happiness, the legendary animal welcomes a special season for celebration.

Commencing on January 23, the 15-day celebration – the most celebrated holiday in Asian communities – is ushered in with parades, food and most importantly family.

In keeping with the customs of countless celebrations around the world and throughout major cities in the U.S., Hilo will hold its Chinese Lunar New Year festival on Saturday, February 11, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Kalakaua Park.

“Instead of flying to Honolulu or going to San Francisco to celebrate, we can experience a small bit of the action that happens on the Lunar New Year right here in Hilo,” said Alice Moon, Executive Producer of the festival which is presented by Hilo Downtown Improvement Association (HDIA). “Even though we host a small event, people can feel the excitement of the customs, learn something new, or remember fond memories of the special holiday.”

For Moon and her countless community organizers, the event focuses on the traditional value of family. The New Year is associated with large family get-togethers, reuniting with loved ones and remembering ancestors. “We are inviting the public to be part of this family,” said Moon, who is helping the festival to celebrate its 10-year milestone this February. “The New Year is about honoring ancestors and gathering as a family. We want everyone to be adorned in the traditions and gather together.”

The Hilo Saturday afternoon festivities will mimic the extended holiday celebrations of larger Chinatown activities (falling after February 6). The event, originally founded a decade ago to fill the celebratory void, was established as a free public event to honor the rites and rituals of this auspicious time for many Hawaiian residents.

In honor of the Festival’s anniversary, Moon announced there will be a locally created commemorative button for sale (purchase includes entrance into prize drawings) and a public fundraising effort in the weeks leading up to the event. Sponsor Panda Express Hilo will help raise funds for the festival with a flier program. With any purchase at Panda Express through February 6, with the presentation of the official fundraising flier, Panda will donate 20 percent of sales generated to event organizers HDIA. They will also donate 20 percent of sales generated on the day of the festival.

“We are truly blessed and extremely appreciative to have the support of Panda Express,” Moon said, also noting that the flier is available for download from the HDIA website at www.downtownhilo.com. “We are all doing our part to make this festival a continued success and now we are asking the people to do their part.”

On February 11, the hard work and dedication of event organizers, individual volunteers and local sponsors will pay off as downtown Hilo will be transformed into a Big Island Chinatown, loaded with Asian, Hawaiian and multi-cultural arts, food and product vendors. Artists and crafters will be selling Chinese and Asian products with Lunar New Year items, toys, jewelry, clothing and Year of the Dragon tee shirts Moon explained, designed by Na Makua Original Hawaiian Designs.

Highly anticipated events include the Big Island Shaolin Arts Lion Dancers, an energetic group of dancers that dance throughout the crowd with roaring firecrackers and bless those who offer a monetary donation (enclosed in a small red packet called Lai See or Hung Bao), and Hawai`i Community College Culinary Art Chef Allan Okuda and his students who will serve free samples. Other events include, Mo Min Kuen Monkey Kung Fu, Peter Tam Hoy’s Tai Chi students, free keiki activities provided by Hilo High Leo Club, and a Keiki Fashion Show with youngsters dressed up in traditional attire.

While the festival may not be able to promise authenticity on all aspects of traditional Lunar New Year’s celebrations, the honorary annual commemoration is about sharing customs and values, honoring ancestors and gathering as family. The Year of the Dragon is a year to be ushered in with vigor, as it promises new beginnings and good fortune. Those bringing in the season and honoring the tenth annual celebration of this free public event will, in association with this year’s Water Dragon, be favored with much success, outstanding luck and thoughtful perspective.

For more information visit www.downtownhilo.com.

Saturday, February 11

Year of the Dragon

Chinese Lunar New Year Festival

Kalakaua Park, Downtown Hilo

10 a.m.- 3 p.m.