Kansas City to celebrate Chinese New Year

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - The Kansas City Chinese American Association is hosting the 2012 Chinese New Year Celebration with a full day of activities.

Chinese New Year falls on Jan. 23, based on the lunar calendar.  It is the Year of the Dragon.

The KCCAA is encouraging the community to visit Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College on Jan. 22 to celebrate the biggest Chinese holiday.

Festivities begin at 9 a.m. with a Chinese Speech Competition.  There will also be children's activities, traditional Chinese food and cooking demonstrations throughout the day.

For a complete list of events, visit www.kcca-ks.org/wordpress/

The evening concludes with the Chinese New Year Celebration Gala from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  NBC Action News Today anchor JiaoJiao Shen will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Tickets are $17 for non-KCCAA members through Jan. 20, $20 after that date.