Gong Xi Fa Chai! In Chinese, that means have a happy and prosperous New Year.
Yesterday morning, that message was heard along Ala Malama Street in Kaunakakai as the Molokai Chinese Cultural Club sponsored the first-ever Molokai Chinese New Year “Year of the Tiger” parade.
The Molokai veterans group roared down the street on their motorcycles. Representatives from different Molokai schools and the Molokai Dispatch newspaper could be seen along the parade route as well.
At the end of the parade, Larry Helm, commander of the Molokai veterans, served as master of ceremonies at veterans park where four Molokai Chinese kupuna were honored. A kung fu demonstration was given and then the music began. As the Chinese gongs, bells and drums played, two Chinese lions worked their way through the crowd, delighting children and adults alike. For good luck, many people gave offerings to the lion.
A Tai Chi demonstration and free session took place behind Shop 2 and Mel Chung’s gunsmith where Chinese lunches were served. Through the day the lions visited many local merchants in town to help bring good luck and prosperity for the new year. A big mahalo to the Molokai Chinese Cultural Club and to the Chungs for making this event such a success and for promoting good will on Molokai.
Filed under: News
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the motorists are of the ” Sons of Hawaii” fame. headed by Sonny Tabilangan. This colorful and enthusistic motorists
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The motorcyclists are the Molokai’s “Son of Hawaii” . These colorful and enthusiatic folks are headed by Sonny Tabilangan who is famed for his eyecatching
motorcycle in parade.