Celebrate 'Year of the Sheep' at Morongo's Chinese New Year Spectacular

The following was submitted for publication on behalf of Morongo, Casino, Resort & Spa:

The Year of the Sheep has kicked off at Morongo with an exciting entertainment and food lineup that includes riveting Chinese boxing bouts, savory Asian cuisine, mesmerizing dragon dancers, a commemorative Chinese New Year casino chip and more.

“Morongo is going ‘all-in’ for the Chinese New Year with fantastic entertainment, delicious dining and mind-blowing decorations, including a massive Buddha lantern from the acclaimed Luminasia attraction that will set the area outside the casino aglow,” Morongo Chief Operating Officer John James said.

The Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is a multi-day celebration. Each year, a different animal reigns from the Chinese zodiac. This year’s animal is the sheep (or goat or ram).

The breathtaking lantern of Buddha from the celebrated Luminasia attraction at the recent LA County Fair will be located at the casino’s east doors. A shrine will be the centerpiece of the Chinese New Year’s celebration at Morongo, and will provide guests the chance to place offerings to bring good fortune and luck on their visit.

Other highlights of Morongo’s Chinese New Year celebration include:

Chinese Dragon Dancers: Guests will ‘ooh and ahh’ as brightly colored dragons and percussionists snake through the casino during authentic nightly performances. The free shows start at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, through Saturday, Feb. 21.

Commemorative Year of the Sheep $5 Playing Chips: Morongo has commissioned beautifully designed commemorative $5 casino chips for the Year of Sheep.

Festive décor: Starting Feb. 2, Chinese New Year-themed decorations now grace the entire Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa property.

Vietnamese Concert: Comedians and singers will be featured in this special New Year celebration show at 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, in the Grand Ballroom. Tickets are $25, $35 and $55 via Ticketmaster and the Morongo box office.

Muay Thai Boxing: World Championship MuayThai is the longest running Muay Thai event in the U.S. This boxing bonanza features a heavily Chinese fight card. Tickets $30 and $60. Saturday, Feb. 28.

Good Fortune Tree: Members of Morongo’s Winner Club will have opportunities to pluck up to $50,000 in cash and free-slot-play from this money tree.

Natural 9 Noodle: The restaurant will feature a savory Chinese New Year menu offering such dishes as roasted suckling pig, lobster cognac fried rice, Chinese steamed salted whole chicken, roasted whole Peking duck, pho oxtail, steamed whole tilapia, lobster chow mein and beef tenderloin “Bo Luc Lac.” AvailableThursday, Feb. 19, through Sunday, March 1.

Potrero Canyon Buffet: The menu will be enhanced with special Asian items to celebrate the Chinese New Year, including carved roast whole pig and various noodle soups on Thursday, Feb. 19; carved roast duck, noodle soups and roast whole pig on Friday, Feb. 20 (in addition to the normal Asian buffet cuisine); and assorted dim sum, carved roast duck, carved roast pork belly and spicy marinated pork on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 21-22.

Friday Night Comedy: Adding to the festive mood is Morongo’s new live comedy showcase, which starts at 10 p.m. every Friday in Vibe: The Nightclub at Morongo. General admission is $15 (or $10 with Winner’s Club card); VIP seats are $35 ($30 with Winner’s Club card). Two-drink minimum. Ages 21 and up only.