DOUBLE HAPPINESS CELEBRATION IN SAN JOSE BY CHCP
DOUBLE HAPPINESS CELEBRATION IN SAN JOSE
BY Gerrye Wong September 21, 2026
A Double Happiness celebration was presented by the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project to herald two anniversaries memorable to the organization. Held at History San Jose Park on September 19, the celebration started with the traditional Lion Dancers who paraded down the park to perform a dance presentation in front of the Chinese American Historical Museum which was celebrating its 35th Anniversary that day. The Lion then danced to the staging area where leaders of the CHCP and government officials came down to stand before the Lions. They then in Chinese tradition fed the Lions with Chinese red envelopes to thank them for their blessing performance and to ask for good fortune for the rest of the year for everyone present that day. Lion Dance sponsors for today’s performance were David and Sharon Seto and Gene and Mary K Lim.
Caption: Tradional Lion dance opens program. Leaders ready to feed red envelopes to Lions
caption: Councilman Bien Doan feeds Lion Dion Lim emcee opens program
Celebrity former newscaster and activist against anti-Asian hate Dion Lim opened the program welcoming all to this historic event on a sun filled day in the Lillian Gong-Guy plaza across from the Chinese museum. Co-founder Gerrye Wong told of the beginnings of the group in 1987 when artifacts were found by the city and asked the Chinese community if they wanted them. The idea of a museum was formulated and four years later in 1991 the Ng Shing Gung replica was built and gifted to the City of San Jose before then Mayors Susan Hammer and Tom McEnery. Today representing the City of San Jose was speaker Mayor Matt Mahan. He was accompanied by fellow City Councilmen Rosemary Kamei, David Cohen and Bien Doan in presenting a proclamation from the City to the CHCP.
Caption: San Jose Mayor with fellow councilman presents proclamation and congratulates CHCP members
Traveling all the way from his position as Congressman for this area of Santa Clara County was Sam Liccardo who spoke to the audience about the importance this monument to Chinese American History was to San Jose. He recalled that 5 years ago he and Councilman Raul Peralez issued a Resolution of Apology to the Chinese community for past prejudicial wrong doings the City had done to the 4 Chinatowns that were burned down in downtown San Jose in the late 1800s. He spoke about his recognition of the resilience and contributions Chinese Americans have made to the progress of the valley and his own experience growing there with his grandfather leasing land to one of the first market owners, Dick Yee to come to San Jose of Chinese descent.
Caption: Congressman Sam Liccardo presents proclamation to Resolution of Apology leaders Connie Young Yu, Gerrye Wong, and event chair Anita Kwock
Next speaker coming from Sacramento was California Assemblyman Patrick Ahrens who has always been active in the Chinese American community, and often called its adopted son. He presented a proclamation from the State of California to event co chair Anita Kwock on behalf of her fellow Board members and members of CHCP. He stated it is always good to remember the past but more importantly, to consider working toward the present and future goals of bringing more active participation in city government.
Caption: California Assemblyman Patrick Ahrens presents state proclamation to Event Chair Anita Wong Kwock
A fellow leader of the Chinese community, Otto Lee cited that he was the first Chinese American to serve on the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors and has seen the growth and importance the CAHM has been to bringing visitors to Santa Clara County. He spoke of the progress Chinese have made in becoming leading Chinese officials within the South Bay and the importance for them to show their influence and importance to the economy of the area. He also presented a proclamation of recognition to the CHCP on stage. Senator David Cortese was represented by aide Phuong Nguyen.
Caption: Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee with Gerrye Wong, Dion Lim, Anita Wong Kwock
Entertainment was presented throughout the festival day in the History San Jose Plaza. Regional traditional cultural dances were performed by the Moon Light Dance Team and Chinese Performing Artists of America. A group of Chinese women brought loud booming drums in a taiko drum performance by the Dagu Corps. A young boy Keale performed his skills on four Chinese traditional instruments to heavy applause by the appreciative audience. From Fremont came its Chinese YoYo group and a group of young students from the Chinese American Abacus Association demonstrated skills on the Chinese abacus. Popular local vocalist Pinki Fung performed traditional Chinese songs as well as western style music.
Caption: Musical entertainment was presented by dance troupes, Pinki Lee, and Dagu Drummers
A fascinating dance by the Yun Yee Tong Dragon dance troupe performed ending the day’s cultural entertainment program. Youthful members of the Yun Yee Kung Academy swirled the dragon in front of the Chinese American Historical Museum in honor of its 35th Anniversary.
Caption: Dragon envelopes CHCP Board members Celebrating were Sam Liccardo and Robert Handa with CHCP Board members
Throughout the day friends and fellow supporters of Chinese American history gathered in the park to share nostalgic memories of how this museum was founded and has shared Chinese American history for the past 35 years. Seen in the throng were CHCP former Board members, fellow members and welcomed guests Patrick Kwok, Rodney Lum, Kenneth Joe, Barbara Voss, Mabel Lai, Michael Chan, George and Lee Liu Chin, Jeffrey and Susan Lee, Michael Wong, Paul Fong, Chi Am Circle volunteers Nikki Chow, Eva Wong, Joanne Chan, Wanda Ching, Ron and Luci Chan, David Louie, Robert Handa, Mary Ann Wong, Eric Wong, David and Sharon Seto, Sally Wu, Marsha Fong, Hong Nguyen, Melissa Jones, Patricia Hing, and many others. They were welcomed by present CHCP Board members Kan Wong, Liz Lee, Ingrid Lai, Bill Shu, David yick, Peter Young, Yucaipa Kwock, Sue and Hubert Lee, Chris Joachim, Georgette Huie, Edith Gong, Kelly Matsuura, Jue Lin, Connie Young Yu, Gerrye Wong and event chairwomen Anita Wong Kwock and Liz Fong Chew and many others.
Leaders happily received painting of Ng Shing Gung CHCP presents festive lunch to guests
To celebrate these two memorable Anniversaries for the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project and in appreciation, co-Founder Gerrye Wong presented to all program participants, official leaders and former Board members a framed painting of the Ng Shing Gung saying, “Cherished are friends working toward a Common Goal – 35th Anniversary September 2026”.
Caption: Childrens crafts corner product Hoong the Dragon welcomes all visitors celebrating this Double Happiness Celebration
caption: Emcee Dion Lim thanks all for celebrating this Double Happiness event
The Chinese American Historical Museum was opened and enjoyed by many visitors that day exploring new exhibits on the Resolution of Apology, and the timeline of the past 100 years happenings in China, United States and the Chinese community in San Jose. Of course the magnificent altar is always a highlight to any visitors to the museum for it is the oldest and largest Chinese Taoist altar still in existence in the United States . It was brought over from China in 1888 to be placed in the community’s Ng Shing Gung Temple and stood proud in San Jose until the building was demolished by the City in 1949. CHCP is proud to have resurrected and rebuilt it to its former splendor for all to enjoy for the past 35 years. Today’s celebration sponsors were Edwin and Margaret Lee.
caption: David Cortese aide presents proclamation Happy supporters blessed with Dragon
