|
On February 19, Mayor Dave Barrow and Members of Council were joined by Richmond Hill residents and business owners to celebrate the Year of the Rat at the 2nd Annual Mayor’s Celebration of the Chinese New Year. Guests received lucky red packets from the God of Fortune and enjoyed a traditional Chinese New Year feast. Entertainment included various song and dance and Kung-Fu performances, as well as a visit by the five Beijing Olympic Games mascots. Proceeds from ticket sales raised much-needed funds for the arts through the Mayor’s Endowment Fund for the Arts.
Mayor Dave Barrow (right) and Jason Kaptyn (left), President and owner of the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North, participate in the ceremonial awakening of the lion, known as Hoi Gong or the Eye Dotting Ceremony.
The lion dance, a long-standing Chinese tradition, begins. The lion, a symbol of power, wisdom, and good fortune, chases away evil spirits and brings happiness, prosperity, longevity, and good luck.
From left to right: Councillor Godwin Chan, Mayor Dave Barrow, Councillor Arnie Warner, Councillor Greg Beros, Councillor Nick Papa and Local & Regional Councillor Vito Spatafora wish everyone Kung Hei Fat Choy!
The God of Fortune aka Councillor David Cohen (centre) and guests.
Singer and MC, Michelle Chu performs a New Year song accompanied by young Chinese dancers.
The Kung Fu performances begin.
Theatre Manager, Michael Grit wishes everyone Kung Hei Fat Choy and speaks about the highly-anticipated Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, scheduled to open on October 15, 2008.
Mayor Barrow chats with guests.
Children from the Orient Dance Company perform.
From left to right: Councillor Godwin Chan, Mayor Dave Barrow, Regional & Local Councillor Vito Spatafora, Councillor Arnie Warner, Councillor Nick Papa and Councillor Greg Beros with mascots from the upcoming Beijing Olympics.
|
