A Coquitlam celebration this month to mark Chinese New Year will raise money for a Port Coquitlam school that burned to the ground last fall.
The Golden Maple Lunar Near Year Gala returns to The Show Theatre at the Great Canadian Casino (2080 United Blvd.) on Saturday, Jan. 27, with a temple fair and multicultural performances.
Proceeds from the event will support to rebuild of Hazel Trembath Elementary, which was destroyed in an arson on Oct. 14, 2023.
The fire attack remains unsolved and is under investigation, Coquitlam RCMP say.
Called "A Celebration of Love," the Year of the Wood Dragon festivities are being hosted by the Golden Maple Culture and Arts Association, which is headed up by Coquitlam resident and former civic candidate Harvey Su.
For the temple fair, attendees will be able to view and take part in cultural activities such as:
- God of Wealth cosplay
- Hanfu display
- traditional Korean wedding dresses show
- Chinese calligraphy
- paper-cutting
- lantern riddles
- Chinese-style creative balloons
- spring festival gift sales
- arts and crafts
Artist Julie Brassington, who is best known for her miniature Christmas villages, will also be on hand to début her Chinatown-themed collection.
And visitors can try out the Hyperbox, a display cabin that uses holograms and artificial intelligence, as well as the green screen photo booth.
As for the entertainment, organizers are teaming up with several Tri-City organizations, such as Place des Arts, the Korean Traditional Culture Association and the Iranian Seniors Club, to showcase their talents.
Meanwhile, gala ticket holders will receive a discount on family annual passes to the Greater Vancouver Zoo.
For tickets to the Golden Maple Lunar Near Year Gala, you can visit the group's website.
