The Chinese community on P.E.I. plans on bringing in the Year of the Snake in style on Sunday.
The annual Chinese New Year’s celebration is being moved to the Charlottetown Civic Centre this year due to construction at the Delta Prince Edward, where the event has been held the past four years.
Event co-ordinator Wayne Jiang said approximately 700 people are expected to attend, including such VIPs as Lt.-Gov. Frank Lewis and Charlottetown MP Sean Casey.
Everything begins at 3 p.m.
There will be a singing and dancing program performed by the Chinese Islanders. During intermission, there will be lots of food supplied by The Noodle House and Kings BBQ and Chinese Food.
The Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 10 this year but the date varies each year, depending on the lunar calendar. Jiang said the big day can fall anywhere in January or February.
In addition to greetings from various political figures in attendance, the president of the Chinese Association on P.E.I. will hand out some awards, such as language schools and the P.E.I. Association for Newcomers to Canada.
Jiang said the event would not be possible if not for the support of 20 Island businesses who are sponsoring the event.
The only issue now is the weather. Jiang said a major snowstorm would be devastating since the event cannot be postponed, only cancelled.
“That’s our biggest concern. It would be a huge loss. Either there is an event or there isn’t,’’ Jiang said.
“So many people put so much effort into it. Hopefully, Mother Nature will be on our side.’’
Jiang said most of the tickets are spoken for but anyone interested in going can purchase tickets at the Confederation Centre box office.
我不知道如何說中國