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Evanston Lunar New Year celebration
Evanston ASPA and the Main-Dempster Mile are pleased to partner with other local organizations to host the Evanston Lunar New Year Celebration. This year’s celebration, the Year of the Horse, will be held beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at Evanston SPACE, 1243 Chicago Ave. Mayor Daniel Biss, state Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita are among the confirmed speakers for the day.
Photo by Joerg Metzner, Evanston RoundTable
Several ASPA-focused activities and performances will be added to the schedule this year, courtesy of event partners Evanston Public Library, Pink & Tan, the McGaw YMCA and Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita.
Schedule of events: 11 a.m.: doors open, information and activity tables 12:30 p.m.: stories and songs with the Evanston Public Library 1 p.m.: speakers and program 1:30 p.m.: traditional lion dance, performed by the Chinese Mutual Aid Association
“Celebrating Lunar New Year is so important because it recognizes and honors the contributions of Asian American communities, fosters inclusivity, promotes awareness and understanding of diverse traditions, and creates a sense of belonging for the more than 10% of Evanston residents who identify as Asian,” said Melissa Molitor of Evanston ASPA. “These community-wide events also enrich our city’s arts and cultural landscape, adding vibrancy and diversity to the community, and drawing people into our business districts, thereby supporting our city’s economic development.”
Indeed, the celebration will take place on the same corner as many ASPA-owned businesses such as Pink & Tan, Secret Treasures Antiques & Collectibles, Nargis Beauty Spot, Sea Ranch Sushi, TIBETGift, Yasotorn Thai Cuisine, Shinsen Evanston, niceLena & Friends, the Zen Buddhist Temple of Chicago and Passenger Paper.
“There are dozens of ASPA-owned businesses in Southeast Evanston,” said Katherine Gotsick, executive director of the Main-Dempster Mile. “They’re an essential part of our business community, and we love that we get to celebrate them each year on Lunar New Year.”
The celebration is free.
