Community members gathered at Bellevue Square on March 2 to celebrate the eighth annual Lunar New Year Spectacular. The long-awaited event was postponed due to weather conditions in February.
The all-day event included traditional dance performances, Chinese music, and the Chinese Lion and Dragon Parade. Family activities included Chinese calligraphy and painting, lantern building and happy pig decoration.
“The Bellevue Collection is so fortunate to host and partner with the Seattle Chinese Culture and Arts Association and the Overseas Community Affairs Council and our annual Lunar New Year Celebration, “ said Jennifer Leavitt, vice president of marketing for the Kemper Development Company.
Leavitt added that the celebration is a welcoming and cultural experience where people can learn about long-held traditions, view beautiful and colorful performances, and experience the excitement of the Lion Dance.
“We appreciate all of the performers and organizers that spend so much personal time to bring this memorable event to our visitors and the Eastside community,” she said.
Seen at the spectacular was U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier of the 8th District of Washington and King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci of District 6. Community members included representatives from the Commission of Asian Affairs, Global Federation of Chinese Businesswoman Association, Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Commissioners of Overseas Community.
Rep. Schrier shared with attendees how the Year of the Pig is about diligence, intelligence and hard work. She mentioned how that is something to be held in communities and in the government.
“We will bring with that a heavy dose of humanity, righteousness, honesty, and do our best for our greater community,” she said.
Councilmember Balducci shared greetings from both King County and the City of Bellevue.
“I love coming here every single year because we celebrate a new year which is hope, and hope is something that we all need in our communities,” Balducci said. “We also have time to celebrate what’s so good about our community here on the Eastside and in Bellevue. We have a caring, dynamic, [and] successful community. I think it’s lovely to be here with everyone to celebrate together.”
From all the governments, Balducci wished everyone a peaceful, prosperous, healthy and a happy Year of the Pig.
The Lunar New Year spectacular included the Chinese Lion and Dragon Parade, traditional dance performances, Chinese music, and more. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo
2019 is the Year of the Pig. The pig is the twelfth of all the zodiac animals and according to the Chinese, culture pigs have a beautiful personality and are blessed with good fortune in life. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo.
Seen at the spectacular were international, state, and county representatives. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo.
Seen at the spectacular were international, state, and county representatives. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo.
Community members attended the eighth annual Lunar New Years Spectacular at Bellevue Square on March 2. Stephanie Quiroz/staff photo.
