Definitive Chinese New Year Plans Set

The Millbrae Sister Cities Commission met on Wednesday to discuss the finishing touches for the yearly Lunar New Year Festival on Feb. 26, that was due to lack of funds.

With the help of co-chair Baron Suen, in a month's lapse the commission secured sponsors and rescued this year's festival, which will include traditional Chinese performances, such as singers, dancers, martial arts showcase, a lion dance parade and a cultural photograph exhibition. 

The festivities will be highlighted by the special appearance of internationally renowned Chef Martin Yan, who will demonstrate asian cooking and give a book signing.

Yan is a certified master chef, food consultant, instructor and author, and has hosted over 3,000 cooking shows worldwide.

"We are very fortunate to have Mr. Yan join us for this year's festival," said Councilman Paul Seto. "He's very fun to watch, he is charismatic and just really entertaining."

This year's festival expenses total approximately $10,000, paying for eight 20 to 30 minute programs.Two emcees will entertain the public, one in English, and the other in Chinese.

"We are really excited for Millbrae residents to come and celebrate the year of the rabbit and be a part of the festivities," said commission co-chair Nadia Holober.

The festival will start at the Millbrae Civic Center at 10:30 a.m. with an extravaganza stage performance and is set to culminate with a lion dance parade at 2 p.m. in downtown Millbrae. A Chinese cultural photograph exhibition will take place in the Chetcuti Room of the Millbrae Library from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.