As the Belmont Chinese American Association (BCAA) marks its 10th anniversary this year, current and former leaders remain dedicated to offering inclusive events “by the community, for the community,” said Michael Gao, a member of the Board of Directors.
The nonprofit organization’s next large gathering, the BCAA Chinese New Year Gala, will take place Feb. 8, thanks to “an army of [120] volunteers behind the scenes,” said former gala director Xueyan Fu. In previous years, 500 to 600 people have attended and as of Feb. 3, tickets were still available.
The BCAA is an entirely volunteer-run group, born 10 years ago after it held its first Chinese New Year celebration for Belmont. The nonprofit has been going strong and gaining in popularity ever since, according to members.
The BCAA and the events it holds are meant “to be the bridge between two countries,” while simultaneously teaching the next generation of Chinese Americans about their culture and history, said Gao.
Galas have been held since 2016, including in 2020, since it was scheduled before the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. However, in 2021, the BCAA had to hold the event online.
This Feb. 8, gala attendees will celebrate the Year of the Horse at Belmont High School’s state-of-the-art auditorium.
According to Grace Gao, this year’s director, the event will feature 20 different performances, including dancing, yo-yo demonstrations, singing, kung fu demonstrations and more. The event will be broadcast live on the Belmont Media Center for those who cannot attend.
Fu said the majority of performers are town residents who have spent a long time preparing for the show.
“We have so much talent in the community,” said Cindy Wang, BCAA founding member.
While the gala is a ticketed event held in the evening, there also will be a free community cultural gathering called the BCAA 2026 Chinese New Year Temple Fair, held earlier in the day in the school’s cafeteria.
Gao advised attendees to “bring your appetite to the event,” because there will be food vendors selling dumplings, noodles, boba and other items. In addition to tasty treats, there will be smaller performances and tables providing information on event sponsors and nonprofits. No tickets are required for this event.
Aside from the New Year spectacular and cultural fair, the BCAA has offered other events to the Belmont community, including meet-the-candidates discussions, a music festival, the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) run, midsummer community picnic, and gatherings honoring volunteers and students.
More information
The free BCAA 2026 Chinese New Year Temple Fair takes place on Feb. 8, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Belmont High School’s cafeteria, 221 Concord Ave.
The BCAA Chinese New Year Gala takes place on Feb. 8, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Belmont High School’s auditorium. To purchase tickets, go to tickettailor.com/events/belmontchineseamericanassociation/2028673
