Ring in the Chinese New Year

Get ready for some monkey business.

The Year of the Monkey starts Feb. 8, and on Saturday, the Spokane Chinese Association is celebrating with its annual Chinese New Year Festival.

There are two ticketed performances featuring dancing, kung fu and Chinese music.

Sam Song, president of the Spokane Chinese Association, said more than 50 volunteers and performers work on the festival.

“We live in Spokane and we want to be an integral part of our community,” he said. “We also have our unique culture.”

Chinese New Year is the perfect time to showcase that culture, he said.

The festival also includes a free cultural fair with booths and activities.

“Whenever I see little kids learn how to write Chinese characters and learn how to play Chinese games, it just makes me very happy to see them there,” Song said.

And what should we expect from the Year of the Monkey?

“The monkey is kind of naughty and mischievous,” Song said, “but they’re smart and energetic as well.”

Kimberly Lusk

What: Chinese New Year Festival

When: Saturday

Cultural fair: 1 to 5 p.m., admission is free.

Performances: 2 and 5 p.m., tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 2 to 12 and free for children 1 and younger, available through TicketsWest.

Where: Lair Building Event Center, Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St.

Info: www.spokanechinese.org