On February 15th, 2019, the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (CCC) held a Chinese New Year banquet in Chinatown. Acting Consul General Liu Jun, Illinois State Representative Theresa Mah, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Cook County Commissioner John Daley, District 11 Alderman Patrick Thompson, and representatives of Chicago’s business and overseas Chinese communities comprised over 300 people in attendance.

The New Year banquet kicked off with a traditional lion dance. Acting Consul General Liu Jun and other prominent guests in attendance, in line with the celebratory traditions of the New Year, fed the dancing lions red envelopes full of money. Acting Consul General Liu Jun, after wishing all the event’s participants a happy New Year, remarked, “The Chinatown Chamber of Commerce has done a lot of useful work over the past several years in tightening the bonds between China and local Chinese companies, as well as expanding Chinatown’s business opportunities. Every year, CCC organizes a Dragon Boat Race and New Year celebrations, keeping the vigor of Chinatown alive. I wish CCC exponential progress and continued success in their endeavors!”

During the banquet, the US Postal Service unveiled for the first time their 2019 Chinese New Year stamp. The stamp, incorporating traditional Chinese elements such as paper-cutting and calligraphy, took the original artwork of Chinese artist Kam Mak as its design.