A Chinese Lantern Festival was hosted by The Moose Jaw Chinese Community Network, along with The Grant Hall Hotel on Feb. 4. The Lantern Festival is a traditional Chinese celebration to mark the end of the Chinese New Year (the Spring Festival).
“People came here to support and enjoy the Chinese Lantern Festival,” said Terry Tian, CEO of Grant Hall Hotel. “We appreciate all the Chinese Community Network and also the Saskatoon Chinese dancing club.”
Tian’s vision has been to become a bridge between the Chinese community and the rest of the people of Moose Jaw, and offer entertainment for people to enjoy at The Grant Hall Hotel.
He says his friends within the community helped him to make the event happen, where people could gather and have a buffet and enjoy the evening.
“I only planted a seed and it’s my friends and staff who have supported me to achieve this,” he said.
Tian said this is only the second time they have held a Lantern Celebration in Moose Jaw, the last being in 2020. He said it was overwhelming to see so many people gather since the pandemic.
“I’m very excited, shocked and surprised that so many friends have come to enjoy with us.”
Mayor Clive Tolley said, “To be invited to this Chinese Lantern Festival hosted by the MJ Chinese Association Inc. and the Grant Hall hotel is very nice. The staff and management here are very welcoming.”
One of the founding members of the Saskatoon Chinese Dance Club, Hong Jing, said, “The Lantern Festival is very important for the Chinese people. This is our second time coming here after COVID and we’re happy to come.”
Jing says they are enjoying the city, the people and the 100-year history of the hotel.
President of the MJ Chinese Community Network, Kelvin Hu, said,“I’m glad to see the big turnout for tonight’s event. We were really surprised to see so many people actually came to join us for the celebration.”
After a delicious buffet, a traditional dance was performed and violin and Erhu performances were performed by Andy Zhang and Jenny Liu, as well as other song performances. All the dance performances were performed by Saskatoon Chinese Dance Club members
The event was planned by Wilson Fang, Kelvin Hu, Shirley Harrison, Tao Lin, Yanxia Liu, Ning Long and Terry Tian.
Supporting sponsors included the Delight Café & Wok, Grant Hall Hotel, Fifth Avenue Collection, Landscape Restaurant, Murray, Primary Eye Care Centre, Suza, RBC Dominion Securities, Tunnels of Moose Jaw, The Mad Greek, Jade Garden Restaurant, Rodos Pizza, Prairie Bee, Envi Jewellers and Realty Executives.
“I’m just grateful for this celebration of the Chinese Lantern Festival [and it] will bring luck in 2023; [I] wish everyone good fortune and health for themselves and their families.”
