A Colorful Celebration of Chinese New Year

On Saturday February 28th, Reid Castle at Manhattanville College glowed with warmth, colour, and conversation as more than 350 attendees gathered for the annual Chinese New Year celebration hosted by the Scarsdale Chinese Association (SCA). Running from 4 to 8PM, the event unfolded less like a formal gala and more like a wholesome family reunion, an atmosphere that the organizers intentionally cultivated.

“We wanted a home and family-like feel,” reflected co-chair Sunny Wang, who opened the program with a warm welcome. “Something that feels like visiting relatives during the New Year.”

That tone was set early as speeches were kept brief and lively, and in a moment that drew much laughter and enjoyment, many participated in a raffle, a lighthearted twist introduced by co-chair Xun Deng to keep the evening both engaging and informal.

The program itself was structured well with two central performance blocks, from 4:30 to 5:30PM and from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, showcasing a wide cross-section of the community. Children performed Mongolian and fan dances, teenagers took the stage with contemporary routines, and parents joined their children for a poetry recital. A group of mothers impressed the audience with a K-pop dance set, while seniors performed tai chi and sang traditional songs.

For many, the senior performances carried particular meaning. The association’s senior club meets weekly, using the gala as a long-term goal. “They practiced consistently throughout the year, even during the snowstorms,” Deng said. “This really helps to keep them motivated, healthy, and connected as this is something that they really look forward to.”

A standout moment came from a guest performer specializing in the traditional face-changing art, who captivated children by tossing candy into the crowd alongside his young son. Between performances, the space buzzed with activity. Two dedicated sections for children featured games and crafts run largely by high school volunteers. This was part of a program Wang helped launch to increase involvement with younger generations. In addition, a photo booth, complete with a custom Lunar New Year backdrop and filters designed by a Scarsdale student, drew much popularity.

“Who doesn’t want to take photos?” Deng observed.“Fun tradition and culture should be enjoyed and passed on but not forced.”

Dinner was served buffet-style, with dumplings and other traditional dishes arranged for family-style sharing, reinforcing the evening’s communal spirit. Throughout the night, raffle tickets circulated, culminating in a prize drawing that included an Apple Watch giveaway.

The event also drew a number of local officials, including Assemblymember Amy Paulin, represented by her chief of staff, as well as members of the Scarsdale Board of Trustees and Board of Education. Their presence, organizers said, reflected a growing effort to integrate and recognize the Chinese American community within the broader town community.

“It’s aboutmaking the community more vibrant and inclusive,” Wang noted, "It's a celebration that everyone can enjoy."

Behind the scenes, the scale of the event was significant as more than 20 administrative team members and over 50 volunteers helped run the program, alongside support from a dozen sponsors spanning local businesses. Compared to previous years, Deng and Wang said their successful collaboration between co-chairs allowed for a more strategic division of organization and a better outcome overall.

“We divide and conquer, using our strengths,” Deng explained, describing her design background and Wang’s experience in performance programming.

Feedback from the attendees states that the gala was the most polished celebration yet, including comments such as “the best gala seen so far” and “a delightful experience.”

Beyond the evening itself, the event reflects a broader positive shift in Scarsdale’s demographics and cultural integration. With more than 500 Chinese families now living in the area the association sees the Chinese New Year celebration as both a cultural anchor and a bridge outward, allowing more inclusivity and sharing of culture.

“Communities should thrive and have more opportunities,” Deng said.

This wonderful vision extends to the next generation. Youth volunteers managed children’s games with much-appreciated patience and care, while student hosts, speaking in both English and Mandarin, guided the program purposefully. This multi-generational participation and engagement is central to the event’s core purpose.

Looking ahead, Wang and Deng hope to continue expanding the celebration’s reach. “We want it to grow beyond the Chinese community, ” Wang said, “into something the entire Scarsdale community can share and take a part in.”

Through this event, that vision took shape as a space where tradition, performance, and community came together in a way that felt natural, shared, and warmly embraced.

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