Ring In The Year Of The Snake At Evanston Lunar New Year Celebration

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston is getting ready to ring the lunar new year. Ahead of the start of the Year of the Snake on Wednesday, a group of local organizations is hosting a celebration Sunday on the Main-Dempster Mile.

The event will feature a traditional Lion Dance performed by the Chicago Northwest Suburban Chinese School, along with activities, tables and wish envelopes in the tradition of Hóngbāo — lucky red envelopes for special occasions.

"Celebrating Lunar New Year is so important because it recognizes and honors the contributions of Asian American communities, fosters inclusivity, promotes awareness and understanding of diverse traditions, and creates a sense of belonging for the more than 10 percent of Evanston residents who identify as Asian," Melissa Molitor of Evanston ASPA, which stands for Asian, South Asian, Pacific Island American, said in a statement.

The fairway opens at noon in the 600 block of Dempster Street, with firepits, hot beverages and other activities. Mayor Daniel Biss, Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita and others are set to speak at 2 p.m., with the lion dance scheduled for 2:30 and wish envelopes at 3 p.m.

Other activities include arts and crafts, Asian food tasting, origami and games. Event partners include Evanston Public Library, Studio 3, Pink & Tan, the Lu family and Suburban Medical Aesthetics, Evanston Pride, the ETHS Chinese Club, the McGaw YMCA and Morita.

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Organizers noted that the event is set to take place nearby to 10 Asian-owned local businesses, including Pink & Tan, Secret Treasures Antiques & Collectibles, Nargis Beauty Spot, Sea Ranch Sushi, TIBETGift, Yasotorn Thai Cuisine, Shinsen Evanston, niceLena & Friends, the Zen Buddhist Temple of Chicago and Passenger Paper.

"These community-wide events also enrich our city's arts and cultural landscape, adding vibrancy and diversity to the community, and drawing people into our business districts," Molitor said, "thereby supporting our city's economic development."