It's Year of the Rat, So Party at Domes

By: Mary-Liz Shaw, Originally Published in The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal, on January 31, 2008

The Milwaukee Chinese Community Center is sponsoring a celebration of the Chinese New Year this weekend at the Mitchell Park Domes.

The daylong event includes music, dances, food and demonstrations to promote Chinese and Chinese-American culture. 2008 is the Year of the Rat. Those born under the rat (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008) are attractive and charming and have a tendency to be perfectionists. They tend to be ambitious and successful.

A traditional dragon parade, including Chinese folk dances, will wend through the Domes. Children can try making Chinese dumplings and then collect souvenirs in red envelopes, a Chinese New Year tradition.

There also will be a Chinese marketplace, including authentic foods. Chinese school students will teach simple greetings and good luck wishes.

The event ends with fireworks.

The celebration runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, 524 S. Layton Blvd. Admission at the door is $5 for adults, $3.50 for children ages 6 to 17, Admissions Information.