San Diego, CA – On February 9, 2025, the San Diego Chapter of the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA-SD) gathered at the San Diego Chinese Academy to participate in the Lunar New Year Festival. The event provided an opportunity for members to strengthen cultural connections while developing leadership and service skills.
Preparation for the event began on February 8, during FASCA-SD’s monthly meeting. Members engaged in team bonding activities and contributed to event preparations, crafting snake-shaped lanterns, designing promotional posters, and making nougat candy.
On the festival day, members arrived early to assist with venue setup, arranging tables and tents, decorating with festive red and gold accents, and preparing game and food booths. The event commenced with performances by San Diego Chinese Academy students. This was followed by the opening of booths for sales and a dynamic lion dance performance. Attendees then explored various game booths hosted by the San Diego Chinese Academy, with FASCA operating one featuring traditional games such as balloon darts and cup pong, led by FASCA project leader Conor Sung, and Kamryn Liu, who ensured smooth operation and prize distribution.
At the food booth, members prepared and served popular Taiwanese treats like traditional Taiwanese stir-fried rice noodles, braised delicacies, candied tomatoes with preserved plums, tanghulu, nougat candy, and grass jelly soup, while managing customer service and sales records. Between shifts, they explored other booths featuring Taiwanese delicacies, cultural presentations, and activities hosted by Chinese language classes.
Reflecting on the event, FASCA co-president Willem Huang expressed his appreciation for the teamwork and cultural significance of the celebration, stating, "The event created a sense of community, making it a memorable experience."
Consulting Mentor Marian Liu remarked, "This festival truly embodied FASCA’s values of service, leadership, and cultural heritage. It provided members with an opportunity to actively engage with their traditions while fostering a deeper connection to their community."
