The North Florida Chinese Association (NFCA), founded by the late Professor Chang-Chien Lee on September 5, 1976, in Florida’s capital city of Tallahassee, joyfully celebrated the Lunar New Year of the Horse with a festive social luncheon on February 28 at Chow Time Grill. A total of 43 members and friends gathered for an afternoon filled with cultural enrichment, musical performances, and warm fellowship.
The celebration was graciously opened by NFCA President Hsuan Yuan Huang, who welcomed attendees and shared heartfelt wishes for prosperity, harmony, and success in the Year of the Horse. Her encouraging remarks set a joyful and hopeful tone for the gathering.
Following the welcome address, Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Associate Advisor Tien-Shuenn Wu presented a special cultural talk entitled “The Story of the Year of the Horse.” His presentation explored the rich symbolism of the Horse in Chinese tradition, weaving together classical legends and cultural insights. He recounted the ancient tale of the Dragon Horse emerging from the Yellow River, whose appearance inspired Fuxi to create the Eight Trigrams—foundational symbols in Chinese philosophy. He also highlighted the spirited image of the Dragon Horse in the classic novel Journey to the West, illustrating the virtues of loyalty, endurance, and strength.
In addition, Wu explained the auspicious phrase commonly associated with the Horse, meaning “Success Upon Arrival,” which conveys blessings of achievement and smooth endeavors in the coming year. By connecting mythology, literature, and festive customs, his remarks added meaningful cultural depth to the celebration. He also shared recent bilingual news from the Taiwanese American Association of Tallahassee, further strengthening community ties.
The afternoon program featured a delightful array of musical performances. John Chu provided elegant piano accompaniment while Grace Hsu sang several beautiful selections that captivated the audience. Bin-luh Cheng followed with an enchanting Chinese melody that showcased the richness of traditional music.
Leonard Tung performed two songs: “All Kinds of Love” by Andrew Lloyd Webber and “Horizon” by Yung Lang Yi, demonstrating impressive vocal range and emotional expression. George Su entertained the audience with several soulful pieces on the electric guitar, blending contemporary style with heartfelt artistry.
Anchalee Ngampornchai performed the beloved Chinese ballad “Tián mì mì” (“Sweet Honey”), made famous by Teresa Teng. Her performance inspired the entire audience to sing along, creating one of the most memorable and heartwarming moments of the afternoon.
The more than two-hour luncheon was interspersed with an exciting lucky draw, during which nearly every attendee received a prize. Members were also presented with the OCAC’s 2026 bilingual calendar, Formosa at a Glance, which beautifully highlights the cultural heritage and natural scenery of Taiwan’s outlying islands, including Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu, and Lanyu. The calendar not only offers stunning photography but also includes practical information such as a QR code for the Overseas Emergency Assistance Association and scholarship resources for overseas Taiwanese students.
Beyond the performances and festivities, the gathering provided a cherished opportunity for members to reconnect with old friends. Laughter and lively conversations filled the room as attendees reminisced about past experiences and shared hopes for the future. As the celebration concluded, many lingered, reluctant to part, reflecting the strong sense of community that has characterized NFCA for nearly five decades.
Through cultural storytelling, music, and fellowship, the North Florida Chinese Association once again demonstrated its enduring commitment to preserving and promoting Chinese heritage in North Florida. The Lunar New Year celebration truly embodied the spirit of unity, tradition, and joyful renewal that defines the Year of the Horse.
