SAN JOAQUIN, Calif. - As the show prepares to start there are joyous conversations and laughter filling the room. The room falls to silence as we were honored with the flag salute as well as the National Anthem.

The lion dance was not only a dynamic performance, but also an enchanting sight to see. The audience was overjoyed to see the dance and it was very evident among the children, whose smiles were very wide with amazement.

Once the lion dance had finished we were welcomed and thanked by the chairperson of the event and the president of the Vietnamese club of Delta College, Tina Dang. She was very excited that people were able to share in the celebration of the Vietnamese New Year (the year of the rooster).

Then Mr. Trinh and Linh enlightened us about the purpose of the Vietnamese New Year. How the New Year symbolizes another year of happiness, peace, and joy, but for those who are superstitious, the chasing away of evil spirits.

Once the audience received a better understanding of the Vietnamese New Year, we were able to see a traditional cultural ceremony that takes place on the day of the New Year. Not only was the ceremony very honorable, it sent vibes of peacefulness throughout the crowd as onlookers stared in awe.

Duc Vo, representative of the Vietnamese Student Association of Delta College, gave kind words on how he was very grateful to us, the audience, who took the time to come and join in the celebration and hoped we would partake in the games and the tasting of various foods.

As the speech came to a close, we were then entertained by a traditional Fan dance by several students from Lincoln High School. The fan dance was very pleasant and graceful; the audience was very taken in. After the fan dance was finished, vice president Della Condon thanked the Vietnamese community and association for letting her partake in their celebration.

Then we were able to see another traditional that was very touching and sweet. Once this dance was over, we waited for the next dance to take place, which was a hip-hop tribute that was very entertaining. The dancers gave their all, they were very energetic and vibrant.

A representative on behalf of Senator Mike Machado and State Assembly member Barbara Matthews then thanked the Vietnamese community and presented Tina Dang a certificate honoring the Vietnamese New Year. The speech was very well received by the audience.

Minnie Cao, of Lincoln High School, continued the festivities with a song that was sung very well with much enthusiasm. She then thanked the crowd for listening and coming to the event.

The last performance was a group effort that was well versed and appreciated by many of the onlookers from the crowd.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Hien gave the closing speech that was sincere and grateful for the many people who gave their attention and time in order to partake in their joyous celebration of the Vietnamese New Year.

This was indeed the place to be Saturday morning. As the celebration took place, there wasn't a sore face in the room and I am glad I was able to take part in such a joyous event.