At Fair Oaks Mall, It's the Year of the Sheep

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Release: Fair Oaks Mall

Fair Oaks Mall will host its 12th annual Lunar New Year Festival celebrations on Saturday, Feb. 28, in honor of the Chinese year 4713 - the Year of the Sheep.

Presented by the Washington Hai Hua Community Center, the event is one of the largest of its kind with free performances, ceremonies and exhibitions presented from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the newly renovated Grand Court East, as well as the mall’s Grand Court West.

The lunar New Year Festival was postponed from Feb. 21 due to in clement weather.

More than 200 performers will participate in the Lunar New Year Festival, representing such countries and regions as China, Korea, Japan, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Polynesia, Tibet and Turkey.

“For more than a decade, we have brought this vibrant celebration to Fair Oaks shoppers to honor the Lunar New Year,” said Robbie Stark, general manager of Fair Oaks Mall. “It is a wonderful experience that highlights many cultures and provides both learning and fun for adults and kids alike.”

The celebration also features traditional Chinese dragon dances, music and dance performances, interactive multicultural displays with Chinese knotting, calligraphy and painting, martial arts demonstrations, arts and crafts for children and a special lantern festival. The décor includes soaring dragons and lanterns, and will reflect the year of the Sheep. Abut 200,000 are expected over the two-day celebration.

The Year of the Sheep occupies the eighth position in the Chinese Zodiac. Its symbol represents traits of creativity, intelligence, dependability, peace and calmness. Many say the number “8” is lucky and represents wealth and prosperity.