leslie.castillo@waylandpost.org
The 2020 federal census calculated Wayland’s Asian population to be 13%, and today that number is growing. With such a large concentration, the town boasts many resources and celebrations for Asian residents of all ages.
One of the largest events — both in preparation and attendance — is the annual Lunar New Year celebration, which will take place at Wayland High School on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 1–5 p.m. It is sponsored by the Wayland Chinese American Association (WCAA).
Feb. 17 marks the first day of the Year of the Horse. Lunar New Year, celebrated by many Asian communities, emphasizes new beginnings, the coming of spring, and the anticipation of luck and prosperity. While the date of Lunar New Year changes each year, it is now an official holiday and a no-school day in Wayland
Co-sponsors of the festival are Arts Wayland, the Wayland Cultural Council, the Wayland Museum & Historical Society, the Wayland Public Free Library, and Wayland Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Tickets are $20 each or $15 each for a family of four or more, and children under age 5 are free.
WCAA board member Jing Gao is appreciative of the support the organization receives from the community. The Mandarin students from both the middle school and the high school come as volunteers to man tables. This year they may teach some new words and phrases in Chinese. The high school Mandarin teacher is very involved in the event, and many families donate their time.
Based on past attendance, turnout is projected to include nearly 500 participants. Ravi Simon (legislative aide to state Rep. Carmine Gentile), state Sen. James B. Eldridge, and Carol Martin, chair of the Wayland Select Board, will deliver opening remarks. Other VIP guests will include principals from various schools and a representative from Grace Harbor Real Estate.
The event will kick off with exhibition tables set up in the commons at 1 p.m. Visitors can check out tea tasting, calligraphy, arts and crafts for younger children, and a photo booth with a Lunar New year backdrop and traditional clothing. The Wayland Public Library will also have a table, and there will be charity sales where guests can buy clothing and other items. Proceeds will benefit WCAA’s future events.
From 1–3:30 p.m., attendees will head to the auditorium for a performance gala that will feature local and professional signing and dancing groups. The selected participants applied by showcasing their talent in videos and the final selections for performers were made by the WCAA program director. Food, catered by Jindu Restaurant, along with dumplings, will be served from 3:30–5 p.m.
“I am grateful because this annual Lunar New Year celebration is made possible because of the community behind it,” said Gao. “From volunteers, schools, sponsors to families who show up year after year, their support, generosity, and enthusiasm are what carry this community-wide tradition forward.”
In addition to the Lunar New Year Festival, the WCAA hosted a picnic and potluck last summer at the town beach with over 100 guests, participated in Wayland’s fall festival with a table, and sponsored a dragon dance parade.
Recently the WCAA began partnering with the Council on Aging by hosting the Chinese Senior Social Group on Wednesdays from 1–3 p.m. at the Senior Center. Chinese seniors can gather to play board games, cards, or ping pong, or to simply come together to talk. A member of the WCAA serves as a liaison.
The WCAA has approximately 600 members and registered as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization last fall.
For more information about joining the WCAA, Gao suggests attending the events and getting to know the members. “I have only been a resident for two years. I volunteered at a Lunar New Year celebration when I moved to town, and became acquainted with the people and events,” she said. “I am grateful for the support from the Wayland Community and look forward to working with both existing volunteers and new faces for WCAA’s future events.”
