'New' Chinatown to Celebrate 71st Year Saturday
Ed Fuentes
Historically-attired dancers celebrate New Chinatown's 70th Anniversary on June 28, 2008.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — While it may not be a nice round number, a 71st anniversary is still an anniversary and Chinatown intends to celebrate it. On Saturday, the neighborhood will hold a community festival commemorating the establishment of "New Chinatown," built when the original enclave was displaced by the construction of Union Station.
It's a chance to see Central Plaza flash back to the post-World War II era, with dancers making their moves in the glow of neon lights while a big band plays. This year, the full program also includes a tribute to Chinese-American World War II veterans.
The evening's schedule also includes a nod to the film "Flower Drum Song," itself celebrating a 50th Anniversary. The film is considered a benchmark in casting Asian and Asian-American actors. Actress Nancy Kwan, and other members of the cast, are scheduled to appear.
71st Anniversary of New Chinatown / Free and open to the public / Saturday, June 27th, 2009 / 7 - 11pm / Central Plaza in Chinatown (943-951 N. Broadway)
jc on June 24, 2009, at 04:42PM – #1
71 is actually more significant in Chinese culture than is 70. As a second generation Chinese American, I'm murky on the logistics and reasoning, but 61st and 81st birthdays are always some of the most important.
Jon on June 30, 2009, at 09:53AM – #2
It was beautiful weather for live music and outdoor dancing. Nice energy. Imagine having that level of activity throughout downtown.