My View – February 2026
WITH THE PROMISE of spring approaching, we eagerly await a celebration rooted in thousands of years of tradition: the Lunar New Year Celebration on February 21. This year, the Lunar New Year begins on February 17 and ushers in the Year of the Horse, a zodiac sign associated with vitality, independence, and forward momentum. For the Jacksonville Review’s February issue, the occasion is marked not only through community celebration but also through art, history, and reflection on the enduring influence of Chinese culture in the American West.
In the Chinese zodiac calendar, the Horse is admired for its energy and strength. Those born in the Year of the Horse are believed to be spirited, intelligent, and charismatic, often driven by a deep love of freedom. Horses symbolize movement and progress, qualities that resonate strongly in times of change and renewal. People born under this sign are said to be natural communicators—quick-witted, warm-hearted, and capable of inspiring others. They value independence and are often drawn to new horizons, embodying a restlessness that fuels creativity and innovation—a quality found in many of Jacksonville’s pioneer settlers…and Chinese workers who came here to work the gold mines. As 2026 unfolds under the Horse’s influence, the year is widely viewed as one that encourages bold ideas, decisive action, and a renewed sense of optimism.
Capturing this spirit visually is splash ink artist Kevin Yeh, whose dynamic work graces the cover of this month’s issue. Known for blending traditional Chinese ink techniques with contemporary expression, Yeh’s art mirrors the very essence of the Horse: fluid, expressive, and alive with motion. His use of sweeping brushstrokes and controlled spontaneity reflects both discipline and freedom—hallmarks of Chinese artistic philosophy and of the zodiac sign itself. Featuring Yeh’s work on the cover serves as a reminder that Lunar New Year celebrations are not only festive events but also living cultural expressions that continue to evolve.
Locally, the Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association will once again host its annual Lunar New Year celebration in downtown Jacksonville—you’ll find a calendar of events on pages 4 & 5. The event brings together residents and visitors to experience traditional music, dance, art, and cuisine, fostering cultural exchange and community connection. In a town known for honoring its past, the celebration offers an opportunity to recognize a chapter of Jacksonville’s history that is sometimes overlooked but deeply significant.
Chinese migrants arrived in the Jacksonville area during the mid-19th century, drawn by the promise of gold during Southern Oregon’s mining boom. These early Chinese miners and laborers played a vital role in the region’s development, contributing not only to mining but also to agriculture, commerce, and infrastructure. Despite facing discrimination and hardship, they maintained cultural traditions that provided continuity and resilience in a foreign land. Observances such as the Lunar New Year were a way to preserve identity, honor ancestors, and reaffirm hope for prosperity and good fortune.
Recognizing the Lunar New Year in Western communities like Jacksonville carries broader historical significance. It acknowledges the multicultural foundations of the American West and honors the contributions of immigrant communities whose stories are integral to local history. Celebrating the Year of the Horse is not simply about marking a date on the calendar; it is about embracing values of perseverance, creativity, and forward movement that transcend cultural boundaries. Once again, the Review is grateful to the many volunteers at the Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association, with special thanks to our friend, Jeresa Hren, for curating this special celebration.
As we welcome the Year of the Horse, the celebration becomes a bridge between past and present, East and West. Through this community event, the Lunar New Year reminds us that cultural traditions endure by being shared and continue to enrich the collective story of our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!