Best Ways To Celebrate Lunar New Year In Minnesota
The Chinese Year of the Wood Horse is coming on January 31, 2014. Countries throughout Asia measured years by the phase of the moon. While the world has now adopted the Gregorian calendar, many throughout the world still commemorate the lunar phase. Be a part of the tradition at any of these Minnesota events.
Chinese New Year Celebration for Families
Minnesota International Chinese School
Chanhassen High School
2200 Lyman Blvd.
Chanhassen, MN 55317
(612) 618-0067
www.mnchinese.org/EnglishSite
Date: Jan. 26, 2104 at 1:00 p.m.
Twin Cities public school teachers of Chinese heritage organize an outstanding family-oriented Chinese New Year celebration every year. The organization, Minnesota International Chinese School (MICS), is again hosting a carnival of souvenir shops, fun games, foods and hands-on activities. The event is one of several ways that MICS promotes a means for Minnesotans to discover Chinese language and culture.
Chinese New Year Celebration for College Students
University of Minnesota
St. Paul Student Center
2017 Buford Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
www.aapress.com
Date: Feb. 1, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
See all of the cool performances we have come to associate with Chinese heritage such as the lion dance, Chinese dances and juggling. Children get lucky money, guests win door prizes and the Food Bazaar will have something delicious for everyone. Several groups organizing this event include Minnesota Chinese Cultural Services Center, Chinese American Academic & Professional Association in Minnesota, Minnesota Chinese Veterans Association, Minnesota Chinese Student Association and Taiwan Student Association.
International Student Outreach
Maranatha Campus House
315 10th Ave. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
www.internationalstudentoutreach.com
Date: Jan 31, 2014 at 7 p.m.
International Student Outreach (ISO) is celebrating the Chinese New Year at the Maranatha Campus House in Dinkytown, at Minnesota State University in Mankato and at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud. ISO is a Christian-based organization dedicated to creating a friendly atmosphere at local universities for international students.
Winter Getaway for Lunar New Year
Rainbow Resort
36571 County Highway 35
Waubun, MN 56589
(218) 734-2241
www.rainbowresort.com
Date: Jan. 27 through Feb. 7, 2014
Rainbow, the most visited Minnesota resort by local Chinese and delegations from China, welcomes families and friends to celebrate this year's Lunar New Year. Special packages include a trip to the source of the Mississippi River or Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, cross country skiing, free ski lessons, free ski passes, free rental ski equipment, guided snowshoeing/hiking, free rental snowshoe equipment, guided ice-fishing, a Native American style of indoor spear-fishing in a heated dark house, a dinner at a local casino and a Chinese New Year potluck dinner where everyone brings their favorite dish. Part owner Amy Xu (pronounced "shoe") says, "I grew up in Shanghai and moved to Minnesota over 23 years ago and have always celebrated Chinese New Year in Minnesota or China." Amy fell in love with the beautiful sceneries of Minnesota's lakes, rivers, wildlife and forests and has been sharing her experience and hosting friends from all over the world to enjoy the beauty. It is that love of nature and outdoor beauty that have attracted many Chinese to come back to Rainbow Resort year after year, says Amy.
Global Market Fun for Lunar New Year
Pham's Deli
920 E. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 870-2622
www.phamsdeli.net
Chinese New Year is big every year at the Midtown Global Market. Look for many family-oriented events this year such as the Chinese Heritage Foundation sponsoring demonstrations in calligraphy writing, having your name written in Chinese characters, fortune telling, dances and performances.
New Year's Feast
Red Ginger China Bistro
5999 Rice Creek Parkway, Suite 102
Shoreview, MN 55126
(651) 784-3200
www.redgingerbistro.com
Nick Tam wows patrons with flaming chicken every New Year's night just the way the Tam family did for years at Tam's Rice Bowl on Central Avenue. Nick opened Red Ginger four or five years ago and former patrons are beginning to fill up this new location on New Year's as they had at the previous restaurant. Group reservations are mandatory for this New Year's extravaganza. Everyone is seated at the same time to take pleasure in 10 to 15 courses, depending on group size.
Related: Best Buffets In Minnesota
Another New Year's Feast
Pagoda Dinkytown
1417 4th St. S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 378-4710
www.pagodadinkytown.com
Owner Justin Lin is hosting a traditional Chinese New Year family set dinner menu from $99 up to $299 per table at the Pagoda again this year. In addition to the special menu for Chinese New Year, you can take advantage of Pagoda's "bottomless sake."
Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
