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Honolulu draws on
dragons’ fire and
force to celebrate
Chinese New Year

Lights, action include lantern
parades and martial arts contests
covered by ESPN2

By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

It's the Year of the Dragon, and parades and other activities starting Feb. 19 will commemorate the new year as part of Dragon Festival 2000.

"This is a wonderful series of events that exposes the beauty of China's culture to the people of Hawaii," said first lady Vicky Cayetano, honorary festival chairwoman. "I encourage everyone to enjoy the festivities and entertainment."

The activities were announced today. They begin with the Chinatown Lantern Festival, which will include food booths and entertainment from 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Feb. 19 and from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 20.

A parade with 2,000 lanterns will start at the state Capitol Feb. 19, winding through the streets of Chinatown and ending at Chinatown Cultural Plaza.

At 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24, the world champion Beijing Wushu Team will take part in a "Martial Arts Spectacular" at the Blaisdell Arena, with performances by premier kung fu athletes from China and a special appearance by Shaolin disciples.

From 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 26-27, a colorful exhibition with food booths, crafts and entertainment -- including the Makaha Sons and Frank DeLima -- will take place at Kapiolani Park.

A Dragon Festival 2000 parade will start at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 27, going down Kalakaua Avenue to the park. It will feature the Kuo Mir Tang Dragons, 2,000 lanterns from China and a traditional lion dance.

And at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29, a team from the United States will compete against Russia at the Blaisdell Arena in the "Art of War: Martial Arts Championships," with ESPN2 coverage.

Dragon Festival 2000 is being coordinated by Hawaii-based producer Matt Young of ICON Entertainment. The Martial Arts Spectacular is presented by Impact USA and the U.S. Wushu Association.

Other organizations represented on the festival committee include the United Chinese Society of Hawaii and the Hawaii Chinese Civic Association.