Mercer Island Ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse with Community-Wide Lunar New Year Celebration

The Mercer Island community welcomed the Lunar New Year today with a vibrant and well-attended celebration marking the arrival of the Year of the Horse. Co-hosted by the Mercer Island Chinese Association (MICA) and the City of Mercer Island, the event brought together residents, civic leaders, performers, and community organizations for a day of cultural sharing and joyful celebration at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center.

The festivities opened with an energetic performance by the Mercer Island Pep Band, setting a celebratory tone for the day. The main stage featured a diverse lineup of cultural performances, including dynamic Kung Fu demonstrations, elegant traditional and contemporary dances, and harmonious selections by a community choir.

In addition to stage performances, attendees enjoyed a wide range of hands-on cultural activities for all ages. Guests explored traditional arts through calligraphy workshops, lantern making, and paper-cutting stations, creating festive keepsakes to take home. The celebration also featured booths from local nonprofit organizations, highlighting community resources and opportunities for engagement in a lively, family-friendly marketplace.

The event was honored by the presence of several elected officials, including Mayor Dave Rosenbaum, Deputy Mayor Daniel Becker, Mercer Island City Councilmember Julie Hsieh, and State Representative Janice Zahn, who joined community members in celebrating the occasion.

A Message of Unity and Gratitude

In her opening remarks, Fan Yuan, President of the Mercer Island Chinese Association, welcomed the crowd and reflected on the deeper meaning of the celebration.

“For many people, Lunar New Year is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a feeling. It’s the feeling of home,” Yuan shared. She noted that this sense of connection is especially meaningful in a world that “can sometimes feel heavy.”

By gathering across cultures and backgrounds, Yuan emphasized, the community was making a conscious choice. “We are choosing to come together. To stay curious about one another’s stories and traditions. This is how connection is built. This is how community is built,” she said, concluding with a wish for the year ahead: “May we all choose curiosity and connection. May we try to understand. And may we treat one another with appreciation, kindness, and love.”

The 2026 Mercer Island Lunar New Year Celebration was presented by the Mercer Island Chinese Association, in partnership with the City of Mercer Island, and made possible through the support of local community sponsors.

Breathtaking cultural performances

Arts and crafts