Chinese Heritage Month is coming back to Markham in February, and organizers say the second year will be bigger than the first, with more cultural partners and a longer list of performances and hands-on activities.
Regional Coun. Joe Li again chairs the organizing committee, with Mayor Frank Scarpitti as honorary chair. Scarpitti has said Markham was the first city in Canada to officially proclaim February as Chinese Heritage Month. New partners this year include the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, the Toronto Chinese Orchestra and the Wayland Li Wushu Academy.
All three main events are free. Tickets are required for the opening night because seating is limited.
1. Grand opening ceremony, Thursday, Feb. 5
The month opens at Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Blvd., from 7 to 9 p.m. The program includes lion and dragon dances, Chinese cultural dance, wushu demonstrations and local singers. Members of council, including the mayor and the committee co-chairs, are expected to perform a number of their own, and the God of Fortune is set to appear to welcome the year ahead.
2. Cultural and educational workshop day, Saturday, Feb. 14
Milliken Mills Community Centre, 7600 Kennedy Rd., hosts a family day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Planned activities include free traditional Chinese medicine consultations, calligraphy and art workshops, tea demonstrations, cultural presentations, seminars and activities for children. A soccer-themed segment will highlight the contributions of Chinese Canadian athletes.
3. York Region Chinese Heritage Month celebration, Thursday, Feb. 26
The regional event takes place in York Region Council Chambers, 17250 Yonge St. in Newmarket, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It features lion dances and Chinese instrumental music, followed by a free lunch, and is open to residents from across the region.
How to get tickets and details
Residents looking for opening-night tickets or more information can contact Regional Coun. Joe Li's office at the City of Markham, or the committee co-chairs: Deputy Mayor Michael Chan, Ward 2 Coun. Ritch Lau, Ward 6 Coun. Amanda Yeung Collucci and Ward 8 Coun. Isa Lee.
