Mira Loma High School students present a Dragon Dance to celebrate Chinese New Year at the Milagro Centre, Carmichael.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) – Dragons last week cavorted at Carmichael’s Milagro Centre. The Mira Loma High School presentation heralded the Lunar New Year.

Student dancers from the school’s Chinese Cultural Club entertained Carmichael Chamber of Commerce members and restaurant patrons. A powerful percussion of Chinese drumming accompanied the brightly colored, darting creatures.

“Our 50 club members are dedicated,” noted their instructor, Chinese language teacher Bih-Yuan Yang. “They practice for two hours, every week.

"With the Chinese New Year falling in February, this month is a busy time for the team.  But they also perform in other schools, libraries and in nursing homes. The kids are all International Baccalaureate students -- very serious about their studies -- but they love to promote cultural appreciation in the community.”

The team drummed up a big audience and enlivened the Milagro restaurant dinner hour.

“They were among the most exciting visitors we’ve had,” said Milagro Centre owner Allan Davis. “We hope they won’t wait another year to come back.”

A hub of dining and neighborhood activity, the Centre has scheduled a vehicle show for Sunday, March 29. The gathering is hosted by the Society of Transporter Owners, a group dedicated to preserving 1967 and earlier split-windshield Volkswagon vans. 

Anyone may view the retro rigs; owners will assemble at 9 a.m. and have doors and hoods open until 1 p.m.