Bringing blessings: Lunar New Year celebration hosts hundreds
By MANDY FEDER-SAWYER
PUBLISHED: February 4, 2025 at 2:38 AM PST
RED BLUFF – People came from near and far to attend a grand celebration of the Lunar New Saturday that honored the rich history of Chinese influence in the region.
Emily Cai, 4, of Redding attended for the first time in full regalia. She was among nearly 500 attendees of all ages at the Tyler Jelly Pavilion at the Tehama County District Fairgrounds. Inclement weather brought the festivities into the indoor venue.
The lunar year 2025 marks the year of the wood snake. The New Year celebration symbolizes prosperity, blessings and good fortune.
Jessica Chew, the founder of the Helen & Joe Chew Foundation and the only grandchild of Joe You Chew, said, “A particularly special moment for me was seeing the joy on the children’s faces light up as they participated in the lion feeding with Lai See. This tradition has been going on since the Gold Rush, and it’s been a big part of my life. It was an amazing feeling to share this joyful experience with others.”
Some of the highlights of the event included the Lion Dance performance, cultural performances by the Iu Mien Flower Girls and North Valley Tai Chi Chuan, that helped to honor the traditions and growing diversity of the community in the North State.
Educational panels on Historic Chinatown Alley were on display. Eight vendors were present, and several new participants joined for the first time this year. Attendee Tom Westbrook of Red Bluff said he appreciates the Helen & Joe Chew Foundation for the tremendous work they put into community events.
Samatha Osborn traveled from Willows to attend. “I’m into Chinese culture. I’ve been watching national coverage of the Lunar New Year and decided to check out a local event,” she said.
Vice-President of the Helen & Joe Chew Foundation, Bruce Chin said the community event emphasizes “respect for everyone’s culture. It adds strength to the community. We have more in common than there are differences.”
William Bledsoe, 14, of Redding, attended the event for the first time with his mother, Ayisha Bledsoe. He particularly enjoyed the Lion Dance.
The Helen & Joe Chew Foundation focused on “bringing a mix of cultural experiences including traditional foods, bead-making and Chinatown descendant’s merchandise to give thanks to our ancestors while creating an overall experience to celebrate our shared heritage,” Chew said.
The Helen & Joe Chew Foundation goal is to grow the celebration each year to make it a cornerstone event for Northern California. In addition to honoring ancestors’ Chinese American history in the region, they are strongly focused on highlighting other cultures emerging in the region to amplify their voices and community culture. They hope to incorporate more educational programs, historical exhibits and additional performances that showcase the diversity of the community.
The Helen & Joe Chew Foundation remains committed to preserving and sharing Chinese American history in the North State, supporting cultural initiatives and ensuring that future generations understand the contributions of early Chinese immigrants in the region to learn from the past.
“This event is a testament to the resilience, contributions and cultural richness of the Chinese American community in the North State. We hope that by continuing this tradition, we can foster understanding, appreciation and unity among all members of our town. Moreover, it’s important to recognize and preserve these stories, ensuring that our shared history is never forgotten,” Chew said.