Home / About / Articles / Asian Heritage Association’s Lunar New Year Celebration: Building Community, Honoring Heritage January 23rd, 2025 Asian Heritage Association’s Lunar New Year Celebration: Building Community, Honoring Heritage You can expect to see the traditional lion dance again at this year’s celebration. Photos courtesy of Asian Heritage Association. As the Lunar New Year approaches on January 29, the team at Asian Heritage Association (AHA) is gearing up for their third annual celebration, held on February 2nd from 11am-4pm at the McMinnville Community Center. This year’s event promises to be even more dynamic, vibrant, and meaningful than previous gatherings. But AHA’s story goes beyond this event; it’s about community, resilience, and connection born out of challenging times. The extraordinary team of leaders with AHA. How It All Began The seeds of AHA were planted in the spring of 2021, in the wake of the Atlanta spa shootings and a rise in anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic. For Jill Mann and Jade Henness, both BIPOC adoptees, these events underscored an urgent need for connection and solidarity. Jade had started a Facebook group called BIPOC Connect, which Jill joined later. After connecting, they decided to work together to plan an event. This event—a small gathering at the Chehalem Cultural Center—brought together a handful of Asian community members and allies. With Jade presenting on Asian history and attendees sharing personal stories, the foundation for AHA was laid. Jill recalls the early days: “I just kept thinking, ‘I need community.’ The world was on fire—literally and figuratively. We had to do something.” AHA’s First Lunar New Year Celebration Fast forward to 2023, when AHA hosted its first Lunar New Year celebration at Mac Market. Despite being a first-time event, it drew an incredible crowd of approximately 2,000 attendees over the course of the day. From traditional lion dances to local and regional BIPOC vendors, the event showcased the richness of Asian cultures while fostering a spirit of inclusivity. Reflecting on the success, Jill shares, “It was hugely attended, and we learned that there is an audience for what we have to offer. That was a really positive takeaway.” This Year’s Festival This year’s Lunar New Year event promises a full day of fun. Held once again at McMinnville Community Center, the day will feature: Traditional Performances: Returning favorites like lion dancers, Koto-Kai music, and martial arts group, Summit Wushu will join new acts, including a dance performances from Korean Cultural Association, and Hula Halau ‘Ohana Holo’oko’a, and a demonstration from Mountain Warrior Kung Fu. Engaging Activities for Kids: Children’s story time led by a Linfield librarian and a self-guided children’s room with crafts and activities will be available, staffed by volunteers. Vendors Galore: Browse handmade art and crafts and enjoy delicious offerings from food vendors like Kayt’s Kitchen, G&S Market Bento, Aliza’s Almond Cookies and Noodles, Mamma Kim from Heart & Seoul and more. Year of the Snake Merch: Don’t miss the special t-shirts and snake-themed merchandise Building a Stronger Future AHA’s mission goes far beyond Lunar New Year. As a nonprofit organization, they aim to create spaces for connection, learning, and joy. Future plans include hosting community events like karaoke nights, family hikes, and a new gathering potentially called Beer, Boba, and Bingo. Their short-term vision includes doing a feasibility study for transforming an underground space in downtown McMinnville that was once used by Chinese immigrants, into a cultural center. Initially, they’d like to open for a limited number of private tours, but eventually they would like it to have regular hours, and be fully accessible, with an elevator and additional egress. “We want to make this a space where people can come together and celebrate culture, history, and each other,” says Jill. How to Get Involved Interested in supporting AHA’s mission? Here’s how you can help: Volunteer: Sign up on their website to assist at the Lunar New Year event. Donate: Contributions help fund future programming and the museum project. Attend the Event: Come celebrate the Year of the Snake and experience the personal growth, reflection and transformation the snake symbolizes. Musicians from Oregon Koto-Kai. Join the Celebration AHA’s Lunar New Year event is more than a celebration—it’s a chance to connect with community, honor heritage, and look toward a brighter future. Whether you’re enjoying a plate of delicious food, admiring a lion dance, or sharing stories, you’ll feel the spirit of connection that makes this event so special. Mark your calendars for February 2, and come be part of something extraordinary. The Lunar New Year is here—and it’s your time to celebrate! About the Author: James Howe (she/her), Visit McMinnville staff writer, has lived in McMinnville since 2009. Some of her favorite McMinnville memories include playing the flute in Second Winds Community Band, acting on stage at Gallery Theater, and co-founding and annually producing Make Music McMinnville. Share this Article Share via email Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Next Article