The Fraser Valley Chinese Cultural Association (FVCCA) is celebrating the lunar Chinese New Year in two phases next month.
First is an evening gala, which will be held on Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Chandos Pattison Auditorium, 10238 168 St.
The event, directed by Yang Dong, who also directed last year's show, will feature dancers, singers, comedy performances and traditional Kung Fu.
"We're making it much bigger this year," says organizer Quing Ping. "It's going to be very colourful for sure."
More than 1,500 seats have been booked, but there's still room, she adds.
Tickets are $10 or $38 (VIP), with proceeds going towards Surrey Memorial Hospital.
Tickets can be purchased at:
• Fleetwood BMO, #101, 15925 Fraser Hwy, phone 604-592-3184;
• Guildford BMO, 10455, 152 St., phone 604-582-4979;
• Stanley Financial, White Rock, #306 15252 32 Ave., phone 778-294-2218.
"The reaction (has been) huge for this year," says Ping – big enough for a second event to raise community awareness about the local Chinese community.
On Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. the FVCCA will hold a Chinese New Year celebration at Fleetwood Park Secondary School, 7940 156 St.
The free event will include food, an indoor market, booths and fashion shows.
"The association has begun reaching out to the broader community and when the community reaches back, they get in touch with their hearts and souls," said FVCCA founder Wen Zhou following last year's event.
The Chinese lunar calendar marks 2016 as the Year of the Monkey on Feb. 8.