Jacksonville Review – February 2024

UPDATED WITH SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 02/15/24—please see link below.

THE SOUTHERN OREGON CHINESE CULTURAL ASSOCIATION (SOCCA), with openhanded support from sponsors, is once again blowing a refreshing breath of early spring our way. The Chinese New Year celebration in February has been conspicuously absent for the past few years. Now, the event has expanded to include additional Asian cultures with the focus on Lunar New Year and the diverse ways in which it’s celebrated throughout various regions.

A Lunar New Year is celebrated on the first new moon of a lunar calendar, whose months are moon cycles. Festival dates vary slightly each year. For 2024 we honor the year of the wood dragon to welcome strength, power, and success. On Saturday, February 17th, from 10am to 3pm, the Britt Pavilion in Jacksonville will come alive with a vibrant showcase of programs and booths representing different countries. And yes, the dragon is awake and eager to rear its mighty head for the dance.

Generous sponsors have made it possible to offer this event free to everyone, including all booths and programs, which will be cultural, educational, and family-friendly in nature. Sponsors include US Bank, Oregon Community Foundation, Britt Music & Arts Festival, Up Close with Peter Sage, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, the Jacksonville Review, and a large contribution from the International Program at St. Mary’s School.

St. Mary’s has over 60 international students with nearly all boarding at their campus. These students represent nations from around the world including China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Japan.

“St. Mary’s is thrilled to be involved in the Lunar New Year Festival,” says St. Mary’s President, Ryan Bernard. “We have long appreciated SOCCA’s effort to bring, in the broadest terms, Asian cultures to our neck of the woods. We’ll have many of our students and staff members manning five booths, including a photo booth with traditional clothing and era-specific costumes from throughout Asia. Our students will also perform colorful lion and dragon dances, after being trained by one of our successful young alums.”

Jeresa Hren, past president and current board member of SOCCA, shared her thoughts. “The world is getting smaller every day. It is great to see different cultures finding similarities and celebrating together, especially during the Lunar New Year time. Come and enjoy this special day!”

Visit SOCCA’s website at www.socca.us for further details and a schedule of events, and mark your calendar for February 17th, if you haven’t already. It’s bound to be a magical day of  fun and cultural discovery on the Britt Hill.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: https://www.socca.us/#details