Celebrate Lunar New Year: The Year of the Snake in Chattanooga
Celebrate Asian culture with the Chattanooga community during Lunar New Year. | Photo by @afg_chatt
Who said dragons weren’t real? In case you missed it, 2024 is a Year of the Dragon + we’re here to tell you how to ring in the Lunar New Year the Chattanoogan way.
Though its official dates vary across different Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year is a celebration of the start of spring and a new year following a calendar on the lunar phases.
Not only is this a Year of the Dragon (the only mythical animal out of the 12 Chinese zodiacs), but more specifically the Wood Dragon. The last few times we were in the dragon year were: 2012, 2000, and 1988 + 1964 was the last time we were in the age of the Wood Dragon.
Kick off the festivities in nearby Collegedale with the folks from High Point Chinese Seventh-Day Adventist Church this weekend. The festival will feature vendors, food, and live entertainment including dance, kung fu, and tai chi.
Tickets can be purchased for $5 for two different time slots: 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. + 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
A folkloric Chinese dance performance at the annual Lunar New Year Celebration. | Photo via Creative Discovery Museum
From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., you can expect lion dance performances + martial arts demonstrations from the Chien Hong School of Kung Fu. You will also have a chance to learn the art of calligraphy from Dr. Ling Jung Wang. All activities are included in admission pricing.
Stop by this local market for its annual parking lot takeover with a firecracker show + traditional lion and dragon dances — stay tuned for more details.
Events
Wednesday, Jan. 24
Wednesday Jazz | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga | $10 | Get your weekly dose of jazz tunes, this time by the Joseph Evans Trio.
Thursday, Jan. 25
Volkswagen Academy Open House | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 4-7 p.m. | Volkswagen Academy, 7469 Volkswagen Dr., Chattanooga | Free | Stop in to learn about educational opportunities like dual enrollment, the onsite high school, and paid apprenticeships.
Poetry Book Club | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Honey Seed, 1705 Market St., Chattanooga | Free+, RSVP | Discuss Jericho Brown’s “The Tradition” with the folks at SoLit.
Friday, Jan. 26
The Weeks | Friday, Jan. 26 | 9-11:55 p.m. | Barrel House Ballroom, 1501 Long St., Chattanooga | $22-$25 | Get ready for “swaggering, sludgy, and slightly southern indie rock” music with this Mississippi-based group.
Saturday, Jan. 27
Fill-A-Bag Sale | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Uptown Cheapskate, 5450 Hwy. 153, Hixson | $25 | Fill your bag with unlimited clothing items for a fixed price at this local thrift + consignment store.
Anti-Inflammatory Salve Class | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 10:30 a.m. | Audubon Acres, 900 N. Sanctuary Rd., Chattanooga | $35-$40 | Learn the art of crafting your very own anti-inflammatory salve using natural, locally-sourced ingredients.
Sandhill Crane Expedition | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 1-5:30 p.m. | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Rd., Chattanooga | $20-$25 | Caravan with the Reflection Riding crew to the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge to witness over 10,000 Sandhill cranes.
Celebrate the Seasons! Illuminating Love and Light for Imbolc | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 4-7 p.m. | Crabtree Farms, 1000 E. 30th St., Chattanooga | $17-$47 | Celebrate the halfway point between the winter solstice + spring equinox with a communal meal and crafting a St. Brigid Cross for home protection.
Columbia has a course for you — from Golden Hills in Lexington to Cobblestone Park in Blythewood and every green in between. | Photos by Jeff Blake and Forrest Clonts via Experience Columbia SC
Going to the Masters this year? (Lucky you.) Just one hour down the road from Augusta, Columbia, SC has you covered for accommodations and entertainment.
Want to play a round yourself? Check out Cola’s golf courses.
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet, reservations fill up quickly. Did you know? Many hotels offer shuttles to and from Augusta National, plus other Masters perks.
Hamilton County residents are invited to a public town hall meeting on tomorrow, Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the South Broad stadium project at the Calvary Chapel downtown. Mayor Weston Wamp + other leaders will discuss what the development costs mean for taxpayers. (Chattanoogan.com)
Traffic
As the result of a traffic study, a four-way stop has been implemented at the intersection of South Watkins Street and East 19th Street in the Oak Grove community. The new stop is currently in effect, so folks may need to use caution as drivers adapt to the new pattern. (Chattanoogan.com)
Biz
The Hot Chocolatier announced it will relocate its 1437 Market St. location after Valentine’s Day. The shop will move down the street to 1423 Market St. (the former location of Wildflower Tea Shop & Apothecary). Note: The St. Elmo store will remain open during the move.
Outdoors
Was volunteering one of your 2024 resolutions? Join Outdoor Chattanooga on Saturday, Jan. 27 for training. From 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., you will learn how to support instructional programs like archery, bike riding, and skateboarding.
Network
The first Creative Mornings session of the year will be on Friday, Jan. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo. Hear from keynote speaker Krantzsy Boursiquot, connect with other attendees, and enjoy coffee from Be Caffeinated. RSVP for free.
ICYMI
In case you missed it, this is the last week to enjoy outdoor ice skating at Ice on the Landing at the First Horizon Pavilion. The season will close on Sunday, Jan. 28 + don’t miss out on the Skillet Curling Championship that will kick off on Thursday, Jan. 25.
Community
The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga will host its Blue and White Chai Nite on Saturday, Feb. 10. The festive celebration will feature a cocktail gala, silent auction, music, dancing, and more with proceeds to benefit the organization. Purchase tickets.
Sports
Tickets are now on sale for the Chattanooga HBCU Classic held at AT&T Field on Sunday, March 10 at 1 p.m. Folks can watch a nine-inning game between the Kentucky State Thorobreds + the Albany State Golden Rams — gates for the event will open at 12 p.m.
Announced
The lineup for TEDxChattanooga’s 2024 Sessions has been announced. Hear from + see performances by YGTUT, Rachel Blackmon, and Nicholas Edward Williams on Thursday, April 25. Get your tickets.
Civic
Addressing workforce disparities
Funds for strategy development planning in South Chattanooga
New funds will be used to study workforce disparities in South Chattanooga. | Photo by Dan Henry via Chattanooga Tourism Co.
The City of Chattanooga and local partners are working together to improve economic outcomes in underserved neighborhoods. The partnership received a $500,000 Recompete Strategy Development Grant to analyze and develop solutions against systemic workforce barriers like access to jobs and livable wages.
First steps
The city has selected key neighborhoods in the South Chattanooga + East Lake areas, identified by the US Census as “persistent poverty tracts.” According to data, the targeted areas have a $10,000 deficit in median household income compared to that of the entire city.
Next steps
This study coincides with the federal Recompete Pilot Program. In order to carry out developed plans, the city will create an action group of workforce and economic development experts + work with local partners in hopes of connecting residents with access to childcare, transportation, workforce training, and educational programming.
Note: Chattanooga is one of 22 finalists currently in the running for additional funds (up to $50 million) through the Recompete Implementation Grant.
The best baking supplies to cook up something cozy and comforting this winter. Think: a sourdough starter helper, lemon lavender scones baking mix, and Herbes de Provence focaccia mix.
We’re quickly approaching February (which just so happens to be Black History Month). The Chattery has a whole month of programming planned — be sure to save these dates. We’re looking forward to learning more about local vintners at the Celebrating Black Winemakers event on Thursday, Feb. 22.
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