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SLO Lunar New Year celebration to take over ‘heart of downtown’ with music, food

Ready to ring in the Year of the Horse?

Though Lunar New Year is technically on Feb. 17, the city of San Luis Obispo is set to celebrate the holiday on Thursday, Feb. 19, instead, during its weekly Downtown SLO Farmers Market.

This year’s free, family-friendly event will take place at Mission Plaza, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., according to a city news release.

“All are invited to attend with family and friends, enjoy the Farmers Market, and stay awhile to experience food, music, art and conversation in the heart of downtown,” SLO diversity, equity and inclusion manager Matt Pennon said in a news release. “With this event and others like it, we hope to build a future rooted in connection, respect and active participation. This celebration is about creating space where everyone is welcomed, valued and connected.”

The celebration will feature live performances by the Cal Poly Lion Dance Team and a “special interactive performance” by violinist Reso Crelli, according to the release.

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Attendees will also be able to “enjoy treats from local food vendors, support local businesses, view art, listen to music and participate in activities for all ages,” the release said.

The city also urged people to patronize the restaurants, shops and theater on Palm Street in SLO’s Chinatown Historic District “where our community has gathered for Lunar New Year celebrations for generations.” Those include the Ah Louis Store, Mee Heng Low Noodle House and the Palm Theatre.

“Lunar New Year honors the deep cultural roots of Asian communities while celebrating the present we share,” the city website said. “The Year of the Horse symbolizes energy, optimism and moving forward, reflecting our hope for a connected, inclusive future.”

For more information, visit slocity.org/LunarNewYear.

A block party took over downtown San Luis Obispo on Feb. 10, 2024, with hundreds of people packing Palm Street in front of the Ah Louis Store to celebrate not only the building’s 150th anniversary, but also Lunar New Year. 
A block party took over downtown San Luis Obispo on Feb. 10, 2024, with hundreds of people packing Palm Street in front of the Ah Louis Store to celebrate not only the building’s 150th anniversary, but also Lunar New Year.  Joe Tarica jtarica@thetribunenews.com
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Kaytlyn Leslie
The Tribune
Kaytlyn Leslie writes about business and development for The San Luis Obispo Tribune. Hailing from Nipomo, she also covers city governments and happenings in San Luis Obispo. She joined The Tribune in 2013 after graduating from Cal Poly with her journalism degree.
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