On Sunday, the West Virginia Chinese Association (WVCA) celebrated the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival in Morgantown’s CMA Church. The event attracted over 300 attendees, nearly one-third of whom were participating in a Lunar New Year event for the first time, many of whom were non-Chinese.
The event consisted of two parts: A dinner and a gala. The dinner mainly featured Chinese cuisine while also catering to the tastes of guests from different cultural backgrounds. The gala included 13 artistic performances and a lucky draw. The performances were diverse and splendid, including songs in both Chinese and English, a variety of dance styles, instrumental performances, a traditional Chinese qipao show and an innovative puppet show.
Some attendees expressed interest in learning Chinese dance and joining the Chinese Association’s choir and dance team after the event.
The performers at the gala were also diverse, including children, students, adults and seniors, as well as both Chinese and non-Chinese individuals. Some were locals from West Virginia, while others traveled from afar to attend. Jianhai Du, WVCA president, stated, “The participation of non-Chinese individuals, not only among the audience but also the performers, underscores the success of the Chinese Association’s efforts to promote cultural exchange and integration.” As the main organizers of the event, Du and the gala’s director, Changfen Yang, expressed gratitude to all performers, volunteers and attendees.
Several notable guests were invited to the gala. Morgantown Deputy Mayor Joe Abu-Ghannam read the proclamation issued by Mayor Jenny Selin.
Dr. Ray Liang, executive director of the United Chisaidese Americans (UCA), said, “This proclamation holds great significance to the American Chinese community, highlighting the cultural diversity and inclusivity within our city.”
Additionally, Pastor Roy Baker of the CMA Church; Consul Li Ding from the China Embassy; Courtney Lanham from the West Virginia University Health Science Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Guanguan Ji, founder of the Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Center and chairman of the Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural and Language Institute, among other guests, delivered speeches at the gala.
The celebration came to an end under the full moon of the Lantern Festival in Morgantown. As the Year of the Dragon unfolds, residents of West Virginia are gaining a deeper understanding of the Chinese language and culture. The organization looks forward to the continued growth and prosperity of West Virginia’s diverse community.
