CWU-Sammamish to again serve as host for community Lunar New Year Celebration

Based upon overwhelming attendance, participation, and support for the inaugural event, the second annual Sammamish Lunar New Year Celebration will be held on Saturday, February 2, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The City of Sammamish is again collaborating with CWU to hold for the event at CWU-Sammamish (120 228th Ave. N.E.).

“The Sammamish community loves events that have educational and family-friendly components,” said Shawn Lowney, CWU director for Community and Corporate Relations. “With the city’s ongoing commitment to promote cultural awareness, hosting this event both helps that cause and strengthens the university’s presence here.

Last year’s celebration saw double the 1,000 or so people expected to attend. A like attendance, if not even higher, is anticipated this year, with the inclusion of an even broader cross section of the Sammamish community

“This year, we will also incorporate Korean culture into the educational booths, along with adding numerous performances involving aspects of Korean customs and traditions,” Lowney pointed out.

As was the case last year, a new demonstration or performance will take place in the CWU-Sammamish auditorium every five minutes throughout the three-hour event.

All of the activities and events are open to the public open and free, with the exception of food trucks that will be on-site serving Asian-inspired food and refreshments.

“There was such a demand that we will have additional food trucks on site this year,” Lowney pointed out.

Redmond Ridge Pediatric Dentistry, Confucius Institute of the State of Washington, BECU-Sammamish, Nurture Kids Dentistry, and Eastside Catholic High School are financial sponsors of this year’s event.

The celebration’s current organizing committee is comprised of officials from CWU, the City of Sammamish, Greater Sammamish YMCA, Skyline High School, Seattle Chinese New Immigrants Center, and Sammamish Chinese School.

“This event is a way to show appreciation and support for culture, heritage, and history from China, through Asia, the Pacific Rim and elsewhere,” Lowney added. “The direction this event is taking is to broaden even further the cultural diversity aspect and to partner with other organizations who want to participate.”

For more information about the Lunar New Year Celebration, call the City of Sammamish Parks and Recreation department at (425) 295-0524.

Tuesday, February 5, will officially begin the Year of the Pig in lunar astrology.

Media contact: Robert Lowery, Department of Public Affairs, 509-963-1487, Robert.Lowery@cwu.edu

CWU-Sammamish, developed through a partnership between CWU and the City of Sammamish, provides general education undergraduate classes, which are open to the public, along with tuition-free college courses for area high school students. They may simultaneously earn high school and college credits through that coursework. Continuing education, with lifelong learning opportunities, instruction, and training, is also available, along with public programs that meet the needs of those wanting to enhance their professional skill set or explore a personal interest.