The OCCA Communities Association is thrilled to announce the resounding success of the 2025 Spring Lantern Festival, held on February 9 at the Parkinson Recreation Centre. Celebrating the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake, this event attracted a diverse crowd of over 900 attendees showing up at different times in around five hours and was a true display of community.
The photo is taken by Shawn Gu for OCCA.
The festival featured a vibrant array of activities, including:
* Cultural Performances: This year’s celebration featured the largest and most dazzling dragon and lion dances in recent years, including the traditional eye-dotting ceremony. The event also showcased a diverse lineup of cultural displays from various ethnic groups.
* Interactive Workshops: Participants engaged in dumpling-making sessions, face painting, and crafts, providing hands-on cultural experiences for all ages.
* Multicultural Booths: A variety of booths representing different cultures, offering unique cultural displays, food, and activities.
* Entertainment: Live Asian instrument demonstrations and a photo booth with traditional costumes added to the fun and playful atmosphere.
The event also featured complimentary dumplings, prize draws and a 50/50 raffle, with door prizes ranging from $40 to $200, adding excitement to the evening.
The following dignitaries attended the event:
MP Tracy Gray, Kelowna – Lake Country
MLA Gavin Dew, Kelowna-Mission
MLA Kristina Loewen, Kelowna Centre
MLA Macklin McCall, West Kelowna-Peachland
Sonja Dirnberger on behalf of MLA Tara Armstrong- Kelowna – Lake Country – Coldstream
Councillor Maxine DeHart, City of Kelowna
Councillor Mohini Singh, City of Kelowna
Councillor Ron Cannan, City of Kelowna
Councillor Gord Lovegrove, City of Kelowna
Former MLA, Norm Letnick
Dr. Joanne Taylor, Cultural Advisor, City of Kelowna, was also present at the event.
“As the Executive Director of OCCA, I am deeply committed to fostering a strong sense of community, unity, and understanding among the diverse groups that call the Central Okanagan home. The record participation from volunteers, partners, and cultural groups is a testament to the strength of our community and the positive impact OCCA has had over the years.” – Fei Liu, Executive Director, OCCA Communities Association
The OCCA Communities Association extends its heartfelt appreciation to the overwhelming support of the volunteers and sponsors who made this possible. Their dedication and support were instrumental in bringing this celebration to life.
For more information about upcoming events and initiatives, please contact the OCCA Communities Association at info@occabc.ca or call 778-484-6222.
About OCCA Communities Association
The OCCA Communities Association is a registered charity and non-profit umbrella organization serving multicultural communities across the Central Okanagan, including Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, and Lake Country, with our region spanning nearly 100 kilometers, from Peachland to Vernon.
We offer services to everyone, and our virtual programs reach rural areas across the Okanagan, committing to fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and equitable society where immigrants, refugees, and equity-deserving groups can thrive and meaningfully contribute to building a sustainable community.
Photos and videos are authorized for publication by OCCA OCCA 2025 Media Release
Fun Moments
We respectfully acknowledge that the OCCA is operating on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
Please note that we will have a photographer on site during the events. If you prefer not to be featured in any photographs, kindly contact OCCA at info@occabc.ca.
