The Ah Louis Store, in collaboration with the City of San Luis Obispo and Downtown SLO, is holding a special Lunar New Year celebration on Thursday, January 30 during Farmers’ Market on the 800 block of Palm Street in SLO’s Chinatown Historic District.

The historic district, located along the 700 and 800 blocks of Palm Street adjacent to the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, was once a vibrant hub for Chinese and Asian communities. Pioneers like Ah Louis played a pivotal role in the development of the Central Coast, contributing significantly to local infrastructure projects.

Today, landmarks such as the Ah Louis Store (est. 1874) and Mee Heng Low Noodle House stand as enduring symbols of the rich cultural heritage of San Luis Obispo.

Photo courtesy Brittany App

“The overwhelming response to last year’s event, coupled with the deep sense of community it fostered, reaffirmed our commitment to reviving the rich traditions of San Luis Obispo’s historic Chinatown,” said Amber Karson of the Ah Louis Store, title sponsor and organizer of the event. “By reinstating these time-honored Lunar New Year celebrations, we honor the legacy of our predecessors and ensure that the vibrant history of our community remains alive for future generations.”

The party starts at 5:30 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the restoration of the historic Chong’s Candy sign on the Palm Street Parking Garage. Chong’s Homemade Candy Store, located at 798 Palm Street, was operated by Richard Chong (Gin Quong) from 1950 to 1978. To enrich the storytelling experience, a display panel featuring historical photographs and contextual information provides a glimpse into the cultural heritage of SLO’s Chinatown.

A Block Party begins at 6 p.m. with booths on Palm Street from the Ah Louis Store, the Cal Poly Chinese Student Association, the City of SLO Office of DEI, and local food and beverage vendors. Entertainment by the Central Coast Chinese Association and the Cal Poly Lion Dance Team, as well as a demonstration of traditional tea ceremonies from Inari Tea Lounge, will be featured.

The Lunar New Year party is free, family-friendly, and open to the public.

About Lunar New Year

Also referred to as the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration that begins with the first new moon of the East Asian lunar calendar. This year the celbration officially begins on January 29, ushering in the Year of the Wood Snake, which occurs once every 60 years in the Chinese zodiac. The Snake is the sixth animal in the 12-year cycle of the zodiac and represents wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, intuition, and creativity. The addition of the wood element introduces attributes such as growth, creativity, and flexibility, symbolizing a period of transformation and renewal.

By SLO Review

SLO Review, San Luis Obispo County's connection to arts and culture, publishes news, reviews, commentary, and original creative work.