It’s that bleak and unremarkable time of year when February creeps in with little comfort from midwinter’s dreary hold. Just when we can’t stomach another washed-out month of winter, the Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association, or SOCCA, and the Chinese lunar calendar come to our rescue with the shake-up—the perfect anecdote for winter doldrums. It’s time once again to join with SOCCA and the Jacksonville townsfolk in celebration, pageantry and community spirit. Let’s hand winter a party hat and gather to welcome this year’s Chinese New Year celebration—Year of the Pig.
SOCCA performs a welcome and valued community service. Their website expresses their purpose since its inception in 2006. “Our mission is to sponsor educational and cultural events in Southern Oregon that showcase Chinese culture and traditions.” For 2019, we welcome the twelfth and last animal of the Chinese zodiac, the pig, more specifically, the earth pig, one of five relating to the elements. We haven’t seen the earth pig since 1959.
Chinese New Year normally falls on the second new moon after winter solstice. The CNY, or Spring Festival (love the optimism here) as it’s often called, may land anywhere between January 21-February 20. Though the 2019 CNY officially begins Tuesday, February 5 and lasts several days, the all-day celebration happens in Jacksonville on Saturday, February 9, beginning with a parade on California Street at 10:00am.
SOCCA will host another diverse and informative festival, incorporating ways to learn and appreciate more about the Chinese culture, particularly relevant since Chinese immigrants performed a vital part of Jacksonville’s early history. The festival boasts a parade, children’s activities, live presentations, exhibitions, and back by popular demand, the magic of Jade, the exotic and award-winning illusionist.
An illustrious new addition will preside over the festivities this year. Jacksonville is most fortunate to welcome “The Mighty One,” a new, 61-foot-long dragon, adding an air of celebrity. Originally from GuangZhou, China, “The Mighty One” wends its way to us as a special gift from the streets of San Francisco where it once strutted and displayed its prowess. Heartfelt thanks are due those in charge of the Southwest Airlines CNY Parade in SF for what is sure to inspire and delight this year’s parade attendees. (More on this in article below.) Students participating in this year’s Lion and Dragon Dance will have the opportunity to show off their newly-acquired dragon moves. This year’s parade is sponsored by the Confucius Classroom of St. Mary’s School.
Join the parade! Registration applications may be downloaded from SOCCA’s website at www.soccachinesenewyear.org. It must be mailed and received no later than February 1 to be eligible.
Come discover activities in virtually every corner of the city. For children, there are two dragon jump houses, arts, crafts and games. A cooking demo of firecracker dumplings by Truffle Pig Craft Kitchen will be on hand to spark taste buds at Bella Union restaurant. Supercharge your health by incorporating Chinese herbs and teas into your diet plan; enjoy a travelogue at the historic Presbyterian Church or a presentation about early contributions made by Chinese railroad workers. A feather-light display of Chinese calligraphy will be on display at Art Presence Art Center, Tai-chi happens in the U.S. Hotel ballroom, and Élan Gallery will host traditional Chinese art and music. At 2:00pm, the talented magician, Jade, will return to the Bigham Knoll Campus Ballroom to enchant and mesmerize her audience.
A few events require small admission fees, and several happen concurrently so check out the detailed schedule of events on SOCCA’s website and plan your customized day of experiencing first-hand the delights of a different culture. For additional information about the history and strong family aspect of Chinese New Year, visit www.chinahighlights.com.
SOCCA looks forward to seeing Jacksonville’s main street packed with locals, ready to chase away the gloom and usher in a year of health, providence, and community spirit!
Peggy Dover is a freelance writer who is thrilled to call Southern Oregon home. Reach her at pcdover@hotmail.com or on her Facebook page. Photos by Tony Kilcollins of SOCCA’s 2018 Chinese New Year parade in Jacksonville.
Featured Image: SOCCA 2018 Chinese New Year Parade in Jacksonville, Oregon – by Tony Kilcollins