A Chinese New Year is widely observed among the Korean-American society.
The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The lunar cycle is about 29.5 days. In order to "catch up" with the solar calendar the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years (seven years out of a 19-year cycle).
This is the same as adding an extra day on leap year. This is why, according to the solar calendar, the Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year.
For This Year, The Korean American Association of Tacoma opened Chinese Year Celebration as providing dinner and entertaining sing along time with "Voice Group" also introduced their new members and board members. Korean American Association of Tacoma, new president, Lee Jong Joo opened welcoming remark and greetings. Special guest speaker were: ROSK, Consul General, Jae Gouk Kim, City of Lakewood Council, John Arbeeny, City of Federal Way, Mayor, Mike Park, and Korean American Senior Citizen President, Byong Kyoo, Lee. Everyone had great time and and enjoyed special celebration. In the mean time Last Year's President Patty Kim presented appreciation award to Consul General Jae Gouk, Kim for his special dedication and hard work for the Korean American communities. Also Jong Peach received appreciation award. She served two years for Board chair, Korean American Association of Tacoma. The most spectacular moment was Karayoke Contest. One of the best prize was airline ticket from Korea Air trip to Korea. Asiana Airline General Manager, Seattle, You Jung Park, draw the numbers and gave away airline ticket for trip to South Korea.
It was fun and exciting moment of listening great singers for the Karayoke contest.
There were so many door prizes and TV, Kim Chee Refrigerator, DVD, Camera, airline tickets.. Etc..... and everyone received Chinese new year gift "a small cushion" and flowers. Everyone enjoyed Chinese New Year 2006!!!!! Happy New Year !!!!

Photos and Reported by: Sandra Englund