Ringing in Year of the Rat
DAPHNE Fung loves a Christmas present and an Easter egg just as much of the rest of us, but the one date on the annual calendar she never misses is Chinese New Year.
Ms Fung said it was pretty much a cardinal sin in Chinese families not to return home to celebrate the event, the biggest on the calendar for anyone of Chinese heritage.
Because Ms Fung, her sister and her mother all now live in Toowoomba, it’s up to the remaining sisters to travel here, even though one lives in Hong Kong.
“Every Chinese person looks forward to this one celebration,” she said.
“It’s the one time of the year we connect with the family and the one time of the year when everybody has no excuses.
“You’re dishonoured and out if the will if you don’t come,” she joked.
And because of her love for the community, for the past decade, Ms Fung has invited her new family of Toowoomba residents to join the fun and learn more about Chinese culture, extending the celebrations to include
residents from countries across Asia to showcase their culture, dress and cuisine.
Ms Fung said traditional celebrations revolved around family and food, a concept she kept front and centre
while organising events here in Toowoomba.
This year, there is a huge day of celebrations free for all families to attend.
From the traditional lion dance and delicious food to
market stalls, information stalls, demonstrations, workshops and Chinese games like mahjong, Ms Fung said there was fun for all ages to be had.
Children could even be in the running for a prize by arriving
in a Chinese New Year costume. Celebrations will be held at The Goods Shed on Victoria St in the railway precinct on Sunday from 10am-2pm and entry is free.