The Camarillo Public Library and the Ventura County Chinese American Association welcome the Year of the Monkey at their 7th annual Chinese New Year celebration on Saturday, February 13 from 1pm to 4pm.
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The Camarillo Public Library — in cooperation with the Ventura County Chinese American Association (VCCAA) — will be hosting a Chinese New Year celebration which is a rain or shine event. It will be on the lawn behind the library if the weather is nice and if it rains, inside the library.
“For the past seven years, the Camarillo Public Library has partnered with the Ventura County Chinese American Association to introduce Chinese culture and history to our community,” said Youth Services Librarian Mary Goldberg. “At this year’s celebration, we are thrilled to announce some new and exciting performances in addition to the annual favorites.”
The new acts include the California Institute for Chinese Performing Arts (CICPA), a non-profit proponent of cultural exchange from El Monte, and the locally based Westlake Village Symphony Orchestra. CICPA will be performing selections from Beijing Operas, including “The Monkey King” and “Farewell My Concubine.” Under the direction of conductor Michael Armstrong, the orchestra will be performing Chinese music with traditional instruments.
Perennial favorites will also be taking the stage. The Westlake Tai Chi group and the Ventura Chinese Folk Dancers are both scheduled to perform, while the Camarillo Kung Fu Club will be providing both Kung Fu demonstrations and the traditional Lion Dance finale.
In addition to the performances, various booths and displays will be stationed near the stage and throughout the library. Among these are an origami booth provided by Mr. Bijian Fan, a photo and souvenir booth, a calligraphy booth, and arts and crafts tables for children provided by the VCCAA.
Throughout the month, traditional Chinese kites will be on display inside the Library along with an exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of the selection of Mr. William "Bill" Soo Hoo as Mayor of Oxnard. Mayor Soo Hoo became Oxnard's mayor in 1966 and was the first person of Chinese heritage to become a mayor in California.
Popular local and Los Angeles-based food trucks will be serving up treats starting at noon, so guests are invited to stop by and grab a bite before or during the event. Vendors will include Belly Bombz, Steamy Bun Truck, Greasy Weiner and Kona Ice.
