For Jenny Wu and other local organizers from the Chinese community, the initial suggestion that they organize an event to celebrate Chinese New Year had grown into an evening Tuesday that packed the Lotus Gardens restaurant. The party attracted local people, visitors from Whistler and Richmond, and even family from overseas spending time with children studying here.
Set among festive red decorations and traditional costumes, the restaurant hummed with lively chatter between friends, family and Caucasian neighbours who were excited to be included. It was a night when babies stayed up late and children wore their finest clothes, just so that they could be part of it all.
Plates of traditional food covered most of the available space on the tables, leaving just enough room for chopsticks and elbow room, and guests were invited to help themselves like family members. If you didn’t already know the person who sat in front of you, sharing food and separating sticky dumplings together turned out to be a great icebreaker.
The celebration was the result of community collaboration. Volunteers spent all day Tuesday stringing up streamers, prepping food and transforming the restaurant into a welcoming New Year’s venue to welcome the Year of the Sheep.
“Everyone did something. Everyone supported each other,” said Wu, who thanked the owner of Lotus Gardens, Gang Hu, for hosting.
Attendee Jet Li estimated the Chinese population in Squamish to be around 100 and noted this was the first time they’d gathered together for Chinese New Year.
Wu explained it was an opportunity to meet people and blend cultures together. “It’s not just about celebrating Chinese New Year,” she said. “It’s about finding ways to understand each other and the local community, while maintaining some of our culture, background and history.”
Li agreed, “We also want local people to know us and to join together. We want to have a community with everyone, not just the Chinese.”
He added, “It’s not just a party, not just food. We need to learn from each other. We want to meet more people and celebrate together and help each other.”
This help among the community, he explained, can be anything from assistance with paperwork to finding a job. “I give people a hand, and if I need something they will help me too. It’s a very friendly community,” he said.
The event also offered parents the opportunity to pass on their heritage to children. “I want to let my son know this is Chinese New Year, and to let him know why we bring in the New Year,” said Li.
Wu hopes the tradition of a community celebration in Squamish will continue in future years.
