GROUP OBJECTIVE:
The Chinese community is an essential part of Greater Portland and the Pacific Northwest with over 150 years of history locally. The Chinese community joined together this year to create this beautiful entry which is organized by the Northwest Chinese Alliance working together with multiple leaders, sponsors and partners across the community. The group’s goals are to celebrate the Chinese & Chinese-American history and contributions to this region, to enhance the general public’s understanding and appreciations of Chinese arts, culture, fashion and architecture; and to create opportunities for capacity building and networking for the community.
DESCRIPTION OF ENTRY:
This Chinese Community entry is beautiful and dynamic. It includes three major segments with 100 participants.
The three segments are:
- Chinese Lion and Dragon Dance
- Chinese Community Floral Float
- Traditional Chinese Dance
Segment (1) – Chinese Lion and Dragon Dance
The Portland Lee’s Association Dragon & Lion Dance Team is leading this year’s Chinese Community for Greater Portland entry with colorful lions and a 50-foot long red dragon under the directions of Head Coach, Terry Lee.
The Portland Lee’s Association Dragon & Lion Dance Team was founded in 2004. The team’s mission is to train the next generation in the traditional Chinese Dragon and Lion Dance. They perform at cultural events, weddings and grand opening of new businesses. The team won the Best Marching Entry in the Starlight Parade in 2011 and again in 2017.
This colorful red dragon is a gift from the City of Suzhou, China to the City of Portland to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Portland and Suzhou sister city relations in 2008. Both Cities of Portland and Suzhou will celebrate the 30th Anniversary in 2018 of this excellent sister city relationship by exchanging delegation visits and celebrating the continued and productive friendship this year.
Segment (2) – Chinese Community Floral Float
This elegant float represents a major Chinese community achievement with support and contributions from across the community. The Organizing Committee of this entry wishes to express their deep appreciations to all the community leaders, sponsors, partners, and supporters for making this entry possible.
On the float are two structures representing two Portland landmarks. The Chinatown Gate and the Lan Su Chinese Garden celebrate Chinese and Chinese American history and contributions. Both structures are traditional Chinese architectural style, and together, they hold special appeals and attractions for Portland Old Town Chinatown to the local residents and out-of-town visitors alike.
There are two lovely models in their amazing gowns under the Chinatown Gate. They are presented in the entry by Oceana Blue LLC, an Oregon company specializing in fashion events productions. The older one is Miss China Peony Queen, and the younger one is Miss China Peony Princess, a very talented 8-year old. They look lovely and their dresses are amazing.
The Chinatown Gate serves as the front door to the Portland Chinatown. It was completed in 1986 through community fundraising efforts. This Gate serves as a special symbol of the history and contributions of the Chinese community.
The Lan Su Chinese Garden, an authentic Suzhou classical style garden, is now one of major tourist attractions for Portland and Oregon. Under the strong leadership of the late Portland Mayor Vera Katz, It was designed and built by a team from both Portland and Suzhou, China. It has now become one of the most successful and enduring fruits of the Portland-Suzhou sister city relationship.
This float also celebrates the upcoming openings this summer of the Portland Chinatown History Museum in Portland Old Town Chinatown and the Asian Health & Services Center in the Lants Neighborhood, both important milestones for the Chinese community.
Segment (3) – Traditional Chinese Dance
The last segment is the talented Chinese dancing team with a freshly design fan dance. The title of the dance is called “Hua Mulan”, after a Chinese female legend around 400 AD. The singing music is the Yu Opera style. This fan dance is a fusion of multiple dancing styles – showcasing both the graceful feminine movements mixed in with the powerful Tai-Ji fan poses.
This year’s Chinese dance team is made up of members of the Chinese Friendship Association of Portland Fitness Team and the Portland Chinese Dance Troupe. They are all volunteer community members across the Greater Portland. This year’s team is under the artistic direction of Ms. Zhang Li and performance management of Ms. Lisa Hu and Ms. Iris Zhao. We are also very appreciative of the performance leaders in both these groups to mentor the newer dancers to prepare for this parade performance.
Many of the volunteer dancers are full-time working professionals with careers and families. They are, however, very interested in sharing this dancing art form with the general public, and have rehearsed in many evenings and weekends over the past few months to get ready for today’s performance.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GROUP AND/OR ENTRY:
The 2018 Chinese Community of Greater Portland Entry is organized by the Northwest Chinese Alliance under the direction of an Organizing Committee. The Northwest Chinese Alliance would like to thank the Committee members for their guidance and support.
Many Chinese community organizations and members are involved with this year’s major undertaking. This floral float is making its appearance to represent the Chinese community after a very long absence. Some of the sponsors and leaders of this year’s efforts will be seated on the float. They and others are recognized for their commitments and special contributions to this major community effort with guidance, financial and operational support to make the 2018 floral float entry possible.
