Jacksonville Chinese New Year Parade

2012 Jacksonville Chinese New Year Celebration

Winter is an excellent time to visit Jacksonville! It’s a small town with a huge history. In February, come and experience the Annual Chinese New Year Festival. There are a variety of activities for the whole family, all arranged to celebrate the contribution that thousands of Chinese workers made to historic Jacksonville.

This year is the Year of the Dragon, and the celebration takes place Saturday, February 4th, 2012. The Festival kicks-off at 8:00am with the Dragon Flight 5k Fun Run, but for those looking for more casual festivities, the Traditional Chinese Lion and Dragon Dance Parade heralds in the New Year at 10:30am. It will be a fun-filled day of traditional Chinese’s cooking classes, children’s arts and crafts, demonstrations, and (for the first time in Oregon) a live performance by the Loong Mah Ladies Dragon Dance Team!

A list of special event information, start times and admissions fees can be found below:

SPECIAL EVENTS

• 8AM – The Dragon Flight 5K Fun Run – starts at the Bigham Knoll Campus rain or shine. Prior application required.  See www.socca.us for entry rules and form.

• 10:30AM – Traditional Chinese Lion and Dragon Dance Parade – where gongs and music will welcome the Year of the Dragon.  Procession begins on Oregon Street and Main Street.  See www.socca.us for application form.

• 12PM-1PM – Chinese Cooking Demonstration: A Sesame Seduction (demonstration) by Mohkeed Wong – Admission is $5, tickets are available at the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce.

• 1PM – The Loong Mah Ladies Dragon Dance Team (performance) from San Francisco.  Admission is $5, available at the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce.

The parade will be followed by book-talks, Chinese history lectures, calligraphy presentations, tai-chi and kung-fu demonstrations, children’s activities, and much more.

Tickets for the Chinese Cooking Show and the Main Event Variety Show are $5 each and available at the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce.  All other activities are free.

For a complete list of activities, start times, admissions fees and more, click here. For more information about Jacksonville Oregon click here. Or for information about the Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association click here.