By the time you read this, Lunar New Year's day will be over, but celebrations are continuing all week at many locations across the city.
And while some celebrate the day as Chinese New Year, others go for the more inclusive term Lunar New Year. Either way, there's lots to do and more importantly, lots to eat as many Vancouverites celebrate the Year of the Dragon. According to the staff at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the dragon is the flashiest of all signs from the lunar calendar and those born under it are likely to be "eccentric, artistic, impulsive and unpredictable."
NOW THROUGH JAN. 29
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden has been decorated for the Lunar New Year, which will culminate in a "hot and noisy" Chinese Temple Fair Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4: 30 p.m. The garden is also hosting a "sneak peek" of the fair Saturday from 1 to 4: 30 p.m.
The garden, recently rated the number one city garden in the world by National Geographic, is alive with huge dragonshaped lanterns. The fair will include traditional Chinese games and activities such as calligraphy, music from Larry Yan on the flute and the spirited Chinese-Celtic tunes of Black Bear Rebels and Friends featuring Toddish McWong. Other activities include fortune telling, traditional dumpling making and a tea ceremony. Entertainment at the fair Sunday includes a special lion dance finale and martial arts demonstrations. Visitors may enter to win a Pan Pacific "Garden Getaway" for two for two nights at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»hotel. The garden is located at 578 Carrall St. in Chinatown.
JAN. 29
While you're in Chinatown Sunday, make sure to take in the Chinese New Year Parade. The parade starts at noon and for the next two hours meanders from the Millennium Gate on Pender Street between Shanghai Alley and Taylor Street, before proceeding east along Pender, south onto Gore, west onto Keefer and then disperses at Keefer and Columbia.
JAN. 29
East Van Comedy presents Say Wha?! Readings of Deliciously Rotten Writing Jan. 29 at Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Dr. Watch as a group of talented comedians puts their spin on some of the most cringe-worthy, embarrassing and painfully earnest writing in print. (Apparently they've taken a look at the first chapter of my novel.) Doors open at 7: 30 p.m.
[email protected] Twitter: @sthomas10
