Prince George, B.C. – While the Chinese New Year is officially here,  there  will be  parties to celebrate in Prince George tonight.

The new Lunar Year, marks the start of the Year of the Horse, which takes over from the Year of the Snake.

Experts say  the Year of the Horse means those  born under this sigh are “clever kind, and energetic.”  It is also said that those born in the year of the horse “Sometimes talk too much, but are cheerful, perceptive, talented, and love to be in the centre of a crowd.”

The International Students at CNC are having a  celebration, this evening  “The students will hold an amazing Chinese buffet and evening of performances  at the First Baptist Church beginning at 5 p.m.,” said Tony Mei, CNC international operations assistant.  “I can say that all performances will be different than what you might expect.”      

There is  also a celebration at  Exploration Place which  while  the tickets for the  dinner and celebration (which includes Lion Dancers)  are sold out,  there is a public  fireworks display at  6:20 in the evening.   This is the eleventh  year for the Exploration Place celebration which is a major fund raising event for the museum.  Next year will  mean the museum has celebrated all 12  signs in the Chinese  Calendar.

Premier Christy Clark has  issued a statement on  the new Lunar Year saying all signs point  to this being  a great year for B.C. especially as the province moves to strengthen its  exports to  Asia.

"Lunar New Year is also a time to recognize the many Asian Canadians here in British Columbia who make a tremendous contribution to our communities, to our economy, and to our whole province. You make British Columbia a more diverse and vibrant place” says Premier Clark.

 She adds, "May the Year of the Horse be a safe, healthy and prosperous one for you and your family. Kung Hei Fat Choi and Gung Xi, Gung Xi to all who celebrate."