The Rancho Bernardo Library celebrated Lunar New Year on Saturday with a free event co-hosted with The Hong Konger Club.
Festivities to mark “The Year of the Snake” included making a snake craft; enjoying a maltose cracker; having their name written in calligraphy; taking photos with Choy Sun, the Fortune God; and receiving a red envelope with a special treat inside.
The Hong Konger Club is a group and networking platform for Hong Kong immigrants and allies, according to the organization. Its activities include sharing the heritage of Hong Kong culture and giving back to the local community through events such as the library’s celebration.
Library assistant Nam Lee, librarian Minoo Hadidi, The Hong Konger Club member Mike Ballinger dressed as Fortune God “Choy Sun”, library branch manager Rosa Kwon and The Hong Konger Club member Carissa Tse. (Criselda Yee)
The Hong Konger Club member Ken Lai shows Aasrita Mahela what her name looks like in Chinese characters, while Varun Mahela, center, writes his name down for Lai to write next. (Criselda Yee)
Zhong Yuan holds her grandson Larson, while older brother Linden holds up his freshly painted purple snake, with mom, Linda Gao, by his side. (Criselda Yee)
Joyce, Micah and Gary Vargas watch Ken Lai of The Hong Konger Club write their names in Chinese characters. (Criselda Yee)
Aivy Flores painting a wood articulating toy snake while with her father, Justin Flores. (Criselda Yee)
Avery and Nicole Toledo. Avery got her face adorned with peonies and gold glitter for Lunar New Year. (Criselda Yee)
The Hong Konger Club member Mike Ballinger, dressed as Fortune God Choy Sun, with Kaku Kaur and her mother Jyoti Kaur. (Criselda Yee)
Settaj Singh painting a wood articulating snake to celebrate Lunar New Year. (Criselda Yee)
The Hong Konger Club member T.K. (who goes by her initials) holds up Lunar New Year ornaments that attendees could color and decorate. (Criselda Yee)
Marie Hoff watches her daughter Ella get her face painted with a Lunar New Year design. (Criselda Yee)
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Library assistant Nam Lee, librarian Minoo Hadidi, The Hong Konger Club member Mike Ballinger dressed as Fortune God “Choy Sun”, library branch manager Rosa Kwon and The Hong Konger Club member Carissa Tse. (Criselda Yee)
