The Chinese new year starts on February 3rd 2011 and goes til January of 2012. Camarillo has a day full of activities this Saturday Feburary 5th for kids and families so they can learn more about the New Year and the Chinese culture.
The day kicks of at the Camarillo City Library (4101 Las Posas Rd.) starting at 10am in the Community room and then kids who want to do arts and crafts can do them outside in the fountain area. The program includes students from the chinese language school demonstating chinese yo-yo's, singing chinese songs and telling some chinese stories. In addtion there will be a performance by the Camarillo Chinese Lion dance troupe and fortune cookie treats.
If you looking for some great Chinese New year books for the kids, Mary Goldberg the Children's libarian suggests the following books:
- A Gift by Yong Chen, Amy receives a gift for the Chinese New Year from her aunt and uncles who live far away in China.
- Dragon Dancing by Carole Lexa Schaefer, Students make a Chinese-style dragon to celebrate a classmates’ birthday. Dragon’s movements are showed with bright illustrations and fun language.
- Happy Chinese New Year, Kai-lan by Lauryn Silverhardt, Kai-lan and her friends get to carry the dragon costume in the big parade
- Celebrate Chinese New Year by Carolyn Otto, Part of the “Holidays Around the World” series-this title tells about the history, food, and current customs of the Chinese New Year.
Then from 1pm to 4pm the fun continues at Constitution Park in Camarillo. The event put on by the Ventura County Chinese American Association will feature Chinese classical dancing by the award-winning VCCAA Dance Troupe, lion dancing by the Camarillo Kung Fu Club, Chinese acrobats, Tyco drums, Chinese Ensemble, Chinese musical presentations and songs, Chinese calligraphy demonstrations and children’s craft booths. Chinese souvenir booths will have items for sale.
