Chinese New Year in Box Hill is time for the Tiger to roar09 Feb 10
Whitehorse leader
by James DowlingTHE Year of the Ox is coming to an end to make way for the tiger.
Whitehorse Council and the Asian Business Association of Whitehorse will bring in the Chinese New Year on February 13 with a massive 12-hour celebration at Box Hill mall.
The festival will kick-off at 3pm with Chinese Opera, magic shows, children’s activities and amusement rides, while Richmond Tigers footballers will also make an appearance.
The official ceremony begins at 5pm with speeches from Whitehorse Mayor Bill Pemberton and association president Ken Huang.
Mayor Bill Pemberton said the parade of the Choi Sun, the Chinese God of Fortune, will precede a drum performance.
“A highlight will be the symbolic Lion Dance, a treasured part of Chinese New Year, accompanied by a firecracker display at midnight just after the New Year countdown,” Cr Pemberton said.
According to Chinese tradition, the dancers’ movements and noise from drums and cymbals scare away bad spirits for the New Year and deliver good luck and prosperity.
It’s expected about 60,000 people will fill the mall and surrounding streets, where more than 80 merchandise, handicrafts and culinary food stalls will be offered.
Whitehorse councillor Robert Chong said he was rapt that the festival had grown significantly in 10 years.
“It is pleasing to see people from different backgrounds come together and celebrate the New Year.
“We do not want the celebrations to be confined to any one ethnic group.”
Cr Chong said the tiger was a powerful animal and traditionally a good year for business.
http://whitehorse-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/it-s-time-for-tigers-to-claw-to-life/
