Kung Hee Fat Choy!
Attending the annual Chinese New Year celebrations in Hilo has become a tradition with us since the beginning. This year it fell on Saint Valentine's day and even though we had a couple of little rains, as is wont to do in Hilo, it apparently didn't discourage anyone from enjoying the festivities.
From Lion Dancers to colorful booths with fun merchandise for sale; musicians and dancers, Chinese costume fashion show, cooking demonstrations, lots of ono food and cute little kids enjoying the day with their parents.
AAliya enjoying the day.
Chinese musicians entertaining from the stage
Dragon puppets waiting to be bought
A little boy playing with his dragon puppet
Joseph Leong, aka 'Coconut Joe' weaving baskets and hats from coconut fronds
The "mask lady' was there....colorful masks made from leather
Veggie, mushroom and chicken stir fry - demo presented by students of the Hawaii Community College School of Culinary Arts Program. Samples were free to the public.
Year of the Ox decorations
Eugene Tao writing in Chinese Caligraphy - He had 4 samples from which we could all choose. I asked for the one that asked for "Health and Happiness"
Ladies passing out Moon Cakes to all who came by
Aloha! My name is Dana and I will be competing for the title of Island Princess pretty soon.....!
We wish you much luck, Dana.....! I hope you win! ..........and Mahalo to your parents for letting me take your picture. I have several more poses and if they want any, please have them contact me....they got my card.
For last year's Chinese New Years write-ups click on the following
Kung Hee Fat Choy - Chinese New Year Celebration in Hilo!
TROPICAL TASTE - Hilo Celebrates the Chinese New Year!
Hi Susan....Thank you!
Did your cookbook come out yet?
Posted by: Sonia | August 26, 2009 at 06:12 AM
Sonia,
Your photos of the pizza made my mouth water. Delicious!
Posted by: Susan Billie Taylor | August 25, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Mahalo, Connie, I love all of our festivals in Hilo....each of them has a little bit different flavor and the now annual Chinese New Year seems to be getting better and better....as small towns go, you can't beat our Hilo!
I just fell in love with little Dana! Hope next time I hear about her she is named Island Princess! Kung Hee Fat Choy to you also!
Posted by: Sonia | February 26, 2009 at 04:14 PM
Great post, Sonia, you do capture the heart of our quaint Hilo Town Chinese New Year Celebration. I used to miss the big ones on Oahu, but have come to love ours! Oh and little Dana, what a doll!
Kung Hee Fat Choy!
Posted by: connie | February 26, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Thank you, Beryl....Mahalo for dropping by to read!
It was a fun event, as usual.
Posted by: Sonia | February 23, 2009 at 10:02 AM
Wonderful photos and narrative Sonia.
Posted by: Beryl Singleton Bissell | February 23, 2009 at 09:55 AM
Mahalo nui, Rowena.....you might have to schedule a trip to the islands for the next Chinese New Year festivities!
Posted by: Sonia | February 19, 2009 at 11:54 AM
What a visual TREAT!! You know, in all my years living in Hawaii, bouncing between islands, not once have I experienced Chinese New Year. Sad, sad, sad, especially since I know that it was probably due to being stuck at work somewhere.
Thanks for sharing a little bit of the aloha from back home.
Posted by: rowena | February 19, 2009 at 11:43 AM