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Bone-chillin' fun

Wild dragon returns to Hot Springs for celebration

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HOT SPRINGS – Despite temperatures hovering just slightly above zero degrees, shivering spectators lined Main Street on Saturday to celebrate the Chinese New Year with a community parade. Organizers estimated a crowd of 200 chilled celebrators who turned out to welcome in the Year of the Pig.

“The cooler weather did take a bite out of the turnout,” said Amanda Wood, Camas Organic Market and Bakery kitchen manager. “There were a lot more people around last year, but we still definitely had visitors here specifically for the parade.”

The majority of the parade-goers huddled together along the street to watch the parade and others clustered in the entryways of local businesses sheltered from the elements. Many people also stayed in the warmth of their vehicle to enjoy the event.

The spirited spectacle started at 4 p.m. in front of the Hot Springs Senior Center to the sound of a very large firecracker boom that jolted cheers through chattering teeth. A 30-foot-long brightly colored dragon emerged from the lingering firework smoke to bob and zigzag down the street. The snow and ice covered road made for slippery walking conditions for the six-person dragon.

Several other parade marchers dressed in pig and animal costumes danced with wild enthusiasm to the rhythmic beat played by a drum line. The drummers used makeshift drums made of decorated white plastic buckets and garbage cans. An all-star kazoo band also joined in the musical precession. 

According to co-organizer Linny Gibson, the parade got its start back in 2012 during the Year of the Dragon. “A group of us made a small dragon,” said Gibson. “It was something to do in the winter. We got some drummers and walked up the street and had a great time. Each year, we have been adding animals hoping to get to 12.”

The Chinese calendar features a different animal within a 12-year cycle, and 2019 is the year of the pig. The pig symbolizes prosperity, good fortune and wealth. “I like the whole idea of the Chinese New Year,” said Gibson. 

The dragon continues to be a part of the parade because it was the animal that started the whole thing. The dragon costume stays in protective storage between parades. 

After the parade, the community celebrated with a pork-inspired potluck dinner. The town plans to celebrate again next year with the rat. Gibson said the community wants to keep the event going. Maybe the rat will bring warmer weather for next year’s parade.  

 

 

 

 

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