I begin this article by introducing some interesting tidbits that one may not know. In 2025, the Lunar New Year was ushered in on January 29. Did you know that it is year 4723 on the Chinese lunar solar calendar? While modern day Chinese and Asians worldwide celebrate the lunar new year based on the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese lunar solar calendar remains significant for many steeped in tradition, especially when considering important dates for cultural and life events, like weddings, grand openings, and the best dates to plant crops. I recall as a child my parents and relatives would consult the Chinese Almanac for guidance in choosing dates that would be the most auspicious. Aren’t these interesting – deepening our understanding of this special time of the year?
Typically, in Asia and Asian communities in America, the Lunar New Year is celebrated for two weeks — or longer. Our Nevada City Chinese Lunar New Year Festival and Parade will welcome the Year of the Snake, on Sunday, February 23, from 12:00-4:30 p.m. These celebrations are unique in rural communities, as they are generally found in metropolitan cities. Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra (CATS), along with the Miners Foundry Cultural Center, is proud to present this eleventh family-friendly celebration, honoring the early Chinese Gold Rush pioneers and railroad workers of the Sierra. Nevada County was once home to thousands of Chinese during the Gold Rush, and this event honors their legacy.
The community parade begins at 12:00 noon from the bottom of Commercial Street by the Robinson Plaza, where the giant Pelton Wheel is located.[1] During the parade, revelers may line Commercial Street to view the parade, which will meander up Commercial Street, making a left turn down Broad Street, making a right turn down Bridge Street (Bonanza Market), and then concluding on Spring Street, where the Lions will perform immediately following the parade. We encourage revelers to follow the Lions and Dragon to Spring Street for this finale. After their outdoor athletic performance, more entertainment will take place at the Miners Foundry, for an afternoon of fun for the whole family! Free admission.
The Parade will be live-streamed by David Wong Photography. The link is https://youtube.com/live/HLkEh8Ddskg?feature=share. Parade units will be led by “Greenie,” the Green Snake (aka Olivia Pritchett), from CATS’ 2017 production of The White Snake; Grand Marshal Hindi Greenberg, a staunch supporter of CATS and the arts, followed by the cast and friends of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, CATS’ spring production at the Nevada Theatre. Other parade units include students from Bell Hill Academy; Lily Emmolo, our local “Mulan;” Falun Dafa, a Chinese spiritual group with roots in Buddhism; our friends from Sierra Stages, promoting their upcoming show, Sense and Sensibility, and our local favorite, Eastern Ways Martial Arts of Sacramento, featuring Chinese Lion dancers and a 78’ Dragon, among others.
Food trucks by the Foundry include Kaliko Hawaiian Kitchen and What’s Poppin’? Kettle Corn. Exhibitors include many community organizations and vendors. Among them are returning vendors of many years, including Lincoln Easley, offering Chinese horoscope face-painting, tattoos, and balloons for the young at heart; Jackie McDaniels’ (TuTu Girl) crochet “snakes” and assorted gifts; and a Chinese tea ceremony with Lily Emmolo.
On the entertainment stage, we will feature Grass Valley Hula Ka Hale Hula O Pilialohaokalani O Hilo, Body Balance Academy, Lily Emmolo, and more. Want to try your hands at Chinese-style Mahjong? There will be two tables, spearheaded by Bennet Dear and Jim Strahan. A kids table with great arts and crafts is spearheaded by Patty Lum-Ohmann.
While we celebrate and honor the legacy of the early Chinese pioneers in the Foothills and in the Sierra during this Lunar New Year, this event is truly CATS’ gift to the community in appreciation for their ongoing support for over thirty years. We wish you Peace and Happiness in this Year of the Snake. Enjoy the celebration!
[1] Another interesting note: the upper segment of Commercial was once the site of the old Chinese Quarter during the Gold Rush, and five original buildings remain today.