Red Deer welcomes the Year of the Horse with Lunar New Year celebration.

The Red Deer and District Chinese Community Society hosted its annual Lunar New Year celebration at Festival Hall on Feb. 21, featuring a lion dance, drums, martial arts demonstrations and live music.

Members of the Red Deer and District Chinese Community Society held their annual Lunar New Year celebration at Festival Hall on Saturday, Feb. 21. The society's president, Lawrence Lee, described the gathering as the group's "premier event" and said it is a time to gather, renew energy and reduce divisiveness. The evening followed the society's annual general meeting and included a shared dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by a traditional lion dance. Performances through the night included thunderous drums, martial arts demonstrations and live music, and the society noted the Year of the Horse as the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac. Event details: - Hosted by the Red Deer and District Chinese Community Society at Festival Hall on Feb. 21. - The society held its annual general meeting before the celebration and served dinner at 5:30 p.m. - Traditional performances included a lion dance, drums, martial arts demonstrations and live music. - The Year of the Horse was described by the society as symbolizing resilience, drive and collective energy. - This year's Chinese New Year runs from Feb. 17 through March 3. Summary: The celebration brought traditional performances and community members together, reinforcing cultural and social ties in Red Deer. Undetermined at this time.