The community is invited to welcome in the Chinese New Year from 3pm to 6pm on Wednesday 29 January 2020 at the Margaret River Library.

The event celebrates the start of the Year of the Rat with a range of family-friendly activities on offer including mask and paper fan making, lantern decorating, Chinese Spring Couplet painting, and photography in the onsite photo booth.

Coordinator Library Operations Kerry Darnell said community members can enjoy sharing Chinese food, watching a dragon dance performance, and learning about Chinese Zodiac signs and New Year traditions.

“We invite everyone to bring a Chinese dish to share, set up a picnic rug, and enjoy all that the event has to offer,” she said

“It would be great if people wanted to come dressed up to take advantage of the photo booth that will be set up in the library.

“It’s going to be a hive of colour and activity and an opportunity to appreciate the diversity of our culture in our local community.”

“We’ve expanded on last year’s event to include the garden area so there is ample space for everyone to come along.”

Event organiser Sean Hsu said he was looking forward to the celebration which was an important time of the year in Chinese culture.

“We see it as a time for both adults and younger family members to come together and welcome in the New Year with fun and good fortune,” he said.

“I’m very excited to be able to share Chinese culture and traditions into the local community.

“There’s a lot for people to enjoy learning about including art, activities, food and language – including learning to write in characters.”

It is suggested to bring a picnic rug to spread out and to BYO a water bottle and reusable plate if you have one.

It is requested that attendees RSVP to attend and nominate their dish to ensure minimal double ups and to be issued with food safety information.

RSVP is requested before Tuesday 28 January 2020 to [email protected] or 9780 5600.

Please contact library staff if you have access requirements as this event is in the library and the lawn area outside.