ROSEMEAD, Calif. — Panda Express associates will host Chinese New Year celebrations Feb. 7 at elementary schools in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Diego.
Festivities include a review of holiday traditions and information about the Year of the Rat, a review of the Chinese zodiac calendar, a calligraphy lesson, a Lion Dance performance and a chopsticks contest between a team of students and a school administrator.
"Chinese New Year is a wonderful opportunity for us to give back to the communities we serve," said Peggy Cherng, co-chairwoman of Panda Express. "With the help of local school districts, this year we're sharing some of our Chinese traditions with more than 20,000 children. We hope to grow this educational program in years to come so children everywhere can learn about the most colorful and important celebration in the Chinese culture."
Chinese New Year is Feb. 7, and in the Chinese culture the new year celebration lasts for 15 days. On the first day of the new year, adults give children red envelopes with lay shee (good luck pieces) inside, symbolizing a wish for prosperity and happiness in the new year. Students at the elementary school events will learn about this tradition by receiving red envelopes containing Panda Express gift cards. Panda Express also will donate $500 to each school.
All Panda Express restaurants are offering Firecracker Shrimp through March 4. The dish features marinated shrimp, red, green and yellow bell peppers and sliced onions in a spicy firecracker sauce. The dish will be one of several offered to students during the Chinese New Year celebration.
