Calgary’s Chinatown marks 100th anniversary with street celebration

CALGARY – Sunday was the day that nine-year-old Kali McKay was chased by a red dragon through Calgary streets.

It was one of the best days of the little girl’s life.

Pigtails bouncing and a grin plastered on her face, Kali, a "pearl girl" whose job it was to lead one of the dragons in Sunday’s Chinatown parade, marched the route with the traditional beast gliding along behind.

"All I have to do is lead the dragon," explained Kali, who trained for the role.

"I’m pretty excited. I’m pretty nervous, too. It’s my first performance."

Hundreds of others crowded to the celebration to kick off Chinatown’s 100th anniversary.

The culturally rich event opened with an incense-burning ceremony and speeches from dignitaries.

Organizers spoke of their appreciation for the heritage of Calgary’s Chinese community but also looked forward to a continuing strong presence in the city.

It’s a concept Ly Lan understands well.

His three-year-old daughter, Karyssa, who perched on his shoulders to get the best view, is roughly the same age as Lan was when he arrived in Calgary with his family about three decades ago.

Lan said he wants his daughter to appreciate her life in Canada but embrace her Chinese heritage, too.

"We want to show her what it’s like so she can pass on her experience to future generations," he said.

"So when she grows up, she can keep both cultures, Chinese and Canadian."

Sunshine beating down, the parade wound through Chinatown streets, a drumbeat punctuating the march.

More than 30 community associations, Chinese groups and other ethnic organizations took part.

"We love everything in the parade," said Roger Tang, who brought his eight-year-old son Jerry to the celebration.

Several other events and performances are planned for the centennial year, including a street festival, a Stampede float and multicultural heritage educational programs.

jkomarnicki@theherald.canwest.com