During the Gold Rush, there were thousands of Chinese who emigrated from China to California and migrated north from San Francisco to the Sierra Foothills.  Both Nevada City and Grass Valley had thousands of Chinese inhabitants at one time.  They came seeking a better life, as did many from around the world, hoping to reap the fortunes of the promised "gold."  In Nevada City, they made Commercial Street their "Chinatown."

Thousands more subsequently helped build the Central Pacific portion of the Transcontinental Railroad in the 1860s, blasting dynamite through the Sierra granite and laboriously laying tracks through the rugged mountain range.  Sadly, untold numbers lost their lives.  Those who survived ultimately moved on to nearby cities like Sacramento, San Francisco, and Marysville. 

Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra's (CATS) Cultural Enrichment honors these historic pioneers by presenting the Nevada City Chinese Lunar New Year Festival and Parade, welcoming the Year of the Monkey 4714, on Sunday, February 21, 2016, in Nevada City.  (The actual Lunar New Year was on February 8.) The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, is THE most important holiday in China and in many Asian countries.  In America, Chinese New Year Festivals are primarily celebrated in metropolitan cities and are rarely seen in rural communities. This Festival and Parade is a real treat to our little Foothills community.

CATS is proud to present this fifth annual celebration.  The community parade begins at 12:00 noon at the Chinese Monument on Commercial Street, led by ceremonial Lion Dancers and a 72' Chinese Dragon from Eastern Ways Martial Arts of Sacramento. Spectators should line Commercial Street and Union Street. The mini-parade entourage of community entries will make its way down Commercial Street and end at the Robinson Plaza where the Lion Dancers and Dragon will spearhead an afternoon of Asian culture and entertainment.  Food will be available for sale by Pho King Good and desserts by Xiao Mao (Little CATS) Culture Club. Exhibitors on Union Street include face painters, a balloon vendor, children's arts and crafts, Asian gifts, a renowned author and filmmaker, non-profit organizations, and more!  The Firehouse Museum on Main Street, which is adjacent to the Robinson Plaza, and under the auspices of the Nevada County Historical Society, will have a special opening during the Festival from 1:00-3:00 pm. The Museum houses relics and artifacts of the early Chinese, as well as those of the early Maidu and Nisenan Indians.

The Festival is a family-friendly event that honors local history and celebrates diversity.  It also educates the young people of Nevada County on our area's role and impact in making California and America great. In addition to Eastern Ways, participants include Grand Marshal Madelyn Helling, in a rickshaw being pulled by Richard Yue.  Others include Grass Valley Taiko (Japanese Drumming), Ka Hale Hula O Pilialohaokalani O Hilo Grass Valley (hula), Chinese Classical Dancer and Tea Master Lily Emmolo, martial arts by Body Balance Academy, songs by Leslee-Anne Sesno, and world music by Michael DiMartino and World Beatnix.

CATS appreciates the support of our sponsors: The Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, The City of Nevada City, Sonic Technology, Briar Patch, Los Mineros, Three Forks Bakery and Brewery, Judi's of Nevada City, HAALo, Pho King Good, Photography by David Wong, Nevada Theatre Commission, Inn Town Campground, Xiao Mao (Little CATS) Culture Club, The Lum and Ohmann Families, Virgil Wong and Karen Freeman, G and G Educational Foundation, and The Union.