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The parade will go on in Chinatown.
At least, that’s what the Chinatown Merchants Association is planning on, after last year’s annual “Night in Chinatown” and Lunar New Year parade were abruptly canceled — disappointing many who had attended the free community celebration for decades.
The association has high hopes that it will be able to raise enough funds in time to usher in the year of the boar in February at the upcoming celebration, which includes a block party featuring vendors, live entertainment on three stages, martial arts demonstrations, fireworks and lion dancing.
“We’re going forward on Feb. 2,” said Gifford Chang of the Chinatown Merchants Association. “We’re trying our best to make it work.”
Chang said the association has launched a new website at chinesenewyearinhawaii.com, with a text message system for event updates, and is actively seeking sponsors as well as donations. The Chinatown Merchants Association is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit group, so donations are tax deductible.
“A lot of it, too is, the communities expect it, but if we don’t get support — volunteers, as well as donations — that’s another aspect of it,” said Chang. “We’re hoping with everyone pitching in, we’ll be able to drum up some sponsors.”
The association is also working with the Hawaii Tourism Authority to market the event, and with the City and County of Honolulu to work out logistics such as street closures and permitting within a smaller budget.
During the event, Hotel, Maunakea, Smith and Pauahi streets are closed to vehicles.
He said the estimated cost of putting the block party and parade on is $60,000.
In past years, Chang said the “Night in Chinatown” and parade celebration has drawn 30,000 to 40,000 participants. If each participant contributed just $1, he said, it would help defray the costs of putting the event on.
Last year, a spokesman said the festival was canceled due to lack of funds and a significant drop in vendors dealing with higher booth fees.
“Everyone’s really excited about it,” said Sandra Pohl, owner of Louis Pohl Gallery on Bethel Street. “We get the overflow, just before the parade. Businesses are really looking forward to it, so I hope they can pull it all off.”
Pohl is holding an artists reception for the First Friday evening event on Feb. 1, for the opening of a new exhibit, “Celebrate Chinese Year of the Lucky Pig,” featuring ceramic artists Yvonne Ching, Noa Dettweiler, Faye Maeshiro and others. She hopes visitors will drop by on Saturday, as well.
The daylong “Night in Chinatown” celebration begins at 9 a.m. and lasts until 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, said Chang. The parade begins at 4:30 p.m., starting at the state Capitol, and making its way along Hotel Street, ending in the heart of Chinatown.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
The Chinatown Merchants Association has set up a new website at chinesenewyearinhawaii.com and text system for updates.
>> Contact: Gifford Chang at giffordchang@yahoo.com if interested in becoming a sponsor.
>> Register: Participants can text NICREG to 95577 to register.
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