To celebrate the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival and to strengthen connection and engagement within the Western New York community, the Chinese Club of Western New York proudly hosted the “2026 Lantern Festival Dinner” on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Friends from all walks of life gathered with their families and loved ones, coming together to share a joyful evening filled with the warmth of the Chinese New Year spirit and heartfelt fellowship.
A Night of Reunion — A Warm and Heartfelt Opening
At the beginning of the evening, Club President Mark Wu delivered a warm and enthusiastic welcome address, extending sincere holiday greetings to all distinguished guests in attendance. He noted that the Lantern Festival symbolizes reunion and hope, and expressed his wish that, even while living abroad, everyone could continue to feel the spirit of this cherished tradition and the strength of the community bond.
Following his remarks, Chairman of the Board Zhen Liu expressed heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff members and volunteers for their long-standing hard work and commitment. He emphasized that it was through their selfless contributions that the 2026 Chinese New Year Gala achieved such great success. Notably, the club introduced a new initiative this year by eliminating the previous requirement for performers to pay participation fees. This change was widely welcomed and further strengthened the sense of unity and belonging within the community.
Gratitude for Our Roots — Words from Our Predecessors
The evening also featured several distinguished guests who supported the club’s development during the 1980s and 1990s, including 1989 President Kuang-yi Liu and his wife, Anna Yuan, as well as renowned materials science professor Deborah Chung and her husband, Lan-chin Wang.
They fondly reflected on the early days of the club’s founding, sharing stories of how members of the Chinese community worked hand in hand, supporting one another and building a strong foundation together. Their heartfelt remarks deeply moved the audience and further strengthened everyone’s commitment to building a vibrant and united community.
Honoring Dedication — United in Purpose, Moving Forward Together
During the dinner, President Mark Wu once again extended his sincere gratitude to the dozens of volunteers who actively participated in this year’s activities, presenting them with awards in recognition of their contributions to the community’s cultural development.
He specifically highlighted that it is these dedicated volunteers who quietly take on the meticulous and demanding tasks of event planning, venue setup, program coordination, logistical support, and maintaining order on-site—ensuring that every large-scale event runs smoothly and efficiently. From the Chinese New Year Gala to the Lantern Festival Dinner, from stage lighting to catering arrangements, and from guest reception to on-site services, they consistently stood at the forefront, supporting the entire event with their time, energy, and passion.
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause in honor of the volunteers. The evening continued with everyone raising their glasses, sharing the joy of the festive banquet, and collectively expressing respect and appreciation for this selfless dedication.
Melodies Never Cease — The Familiar Sounds of Home Resonate
As steaming bowls of tangyuan were served, familiar melodies filled the room, and the choir led everyone in singing the traditional song “Selling Tangyuan,” officially kicking off the evening’s cultural performances in a joyful atmosphere. This was followed by a heartfelt rendition of the classic song “Ode to Coral” by Xuehong Lü, and a dance performance “Snowy Prayers” by Lan Zhang, Ling Wang, and Wencan Lü of the Fanghua Dance Troupe. Kerun Li added an elegant artistic touch with an oboe performance. With diverse program formats and a lively atmosphere, the performances earned continuous rounds of applause.
Guests also spontaneously joined the stage for a medley of classic songs, becoming a highlight of the evening. Ten well-known tunes, including “Waves on Honghu Lake”, “Let Us Paddle Our Oars,” resonated through the hall. The sounds of home and the warmth of shared memories flowed through the music, filling the venue with a heartwarming festive spirit.
A Joyful Conclusion — Looking Forward to the Future Together
The evening concluded on a high note with a lively raffle and graceful dance music, as laughter and well-wishes intertwined, bringing a warm and festive close to this night of reunion.
The 2026 Lantern Festival Dinner was more than just a holiday gathering—it was a celebration of connection and a transmission of culture. Through its diverse and engaging activities, the Chinese Club of Western New York further strengthened interaction and bonds among community members, while bringing new life to traditional Chinese culture within a multicultural society.
Written by: Jing Niu, Libing Wu Reviewed by: Mark Wu, Libing Wu, Bingling Chen
