Published February 14th, 2024
Lions and swords open the Year of the Dragon in Orinda
By Sora O'Doherty
Concord Kung Fu Academy performs a Lion Dance Feb. 10 at Orinda Library. Photos Sora O'Doherty
Orinda celebrated Chinese New Year at the Orinda Library on Saturday, Feb. 10. The Year of the Dragon was welcomed by members of the Concord Kung Fu Academy, who performed a Lion Dance and a sword demonstration at the Orinda Library auditorium. This special event was sponsored by the Eng family.

The Eng Family Library Endowment was set up when the Library was being built. According to Weylan Eng, the Engs helped with the building funds, but told Dick Hegge that they would like to put money aside to bring Asian culture to Orinda in perpetuity. The endowment has now existed for over 20 years.

This year's celebration has been organized by Eng's daughter, Amy Eng, who also organized the Pan Asian Festival in 2004. Proud father Weylan Eng recalled that Amy was the Cherry Blossom Queen of Northern California in 2004. Eng added that Amy holds a master's in education and public policy from Stanford. Amy represented the family this year, as others were unable to attend, being in Hawaii on family business.

In addition to the Lion Dance celebrations, the Eng family displays historical Chinese artifacts in Orinda Library each year. Eng praised library manager Michael Beller as very supportive, and expressed his appreciation to Lin Look who has worked very hard on the exhibition every year.
Photo Sora O'Doherty

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