This Chinese New Year is the Year of Horse. The year of the Horse suggests one to exercise caution and avoid unstable situations. People born in the year of the Horse are loyal, courageous, and ambitious.
SACA (Suncoast Association of Chinese-Americans) Tampa Bay Chinese associations jointly hosted the 2014 Chinese New Year Celebration with City of Largo at Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo, Florida on Saturday, February 1, 2014. The Mayor of Largo, Patricia Gerard, was one of many key speakers at this year’s celebration. This year’s celebration was free and opened to the public. Estimated 5,000 people attended this event.
The park was lined with red lanterns throughout. A Chinese Pagoda Gate with two miniature lions stood in the front of the entrance. It was truly a cultural experience to walk through the
park and be ‘wowed’ by the Asian decors. Panda mascot handed out red money envelopes to children and posed for photos. Hello Kitty and Kung Fu panda also greeted children throughout the park. Two 30 feet long dragons were also on display at the park.
The golden dragon danced as the opening act of the celebration. Each dragon requires ten persons to flow and dance through the crowd and onto the staging area. Children followed the dragon as a train when it danced through the crowded park. The heavy toned drum and the cymbals added to beat of excitement for the dragon. Chinese musicians and dancers performances wowed the crowd.
It was a delightful experience to watch the folk dancers dressed in soft pink and white gowns waving their hand fans flowing across the stage to the traditional Chinese music. The kung fu
demonstration was exciting to see with their weapons swinging, fist flying in different martial art styles. The Emcees were professional and humorous. Most audience stayed for the four hour duration.
Largo Central Park’s Mini-Train was also open for parents and children to ride around the park.
It was absolutely wonderful experience to spend a beautiful, sunny day at Largo Central Park in Largo, Florida to celebrate the beginning of Chinese Horse year!
For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/sacatampabay, www.sacatampabay.org
Article: Suncoast Association of Chinese Americans
