Fairbanks ushers in the Year of the Horse with New Year’s celebrations
Story and photos by Britany Adorno-Alicea
Young children perform the “Happy! Happy! Year of the Horse” dance during the 2026 Chinese New Year celebration in the UAF Wood Center.
On February 21, the Chinese Culture and Language Club welcomed Fairbanks residents to join them in ushering in the new year with their annual Chinese New Year celebration. The celebration had stunning visual performances, traditional food and a strong sense of community.
This year marks the Year of the Horse, the seventh sign in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. The year of the horse is said to symbolize independence, energy, and forward momentum. People born in this year are described by Kan as being “hardworking, cheerful, and independent people with positive attitudes.”
“We’ve spent the past month coordinating and practicing for the event,” said club president and University of Alaska Fairbanks student Zoe Schneider. “We hope that it’s something everyone will enjoy!”
Fairbanks Northstar Borough Mayor Grier Hopkins gave a speech at the New Years event on Feb. 21, 2026.
The Chinese Culture and Language Club is a student club that aims to foster conversation and community amongst students and any Fairbanks community members interested in Chinese culture. The club was co-founded in 2023 by professor Rosalind Kan and former club president and UAF graduate Lainey Appel in 2023. The two wanted to create a space that exemplifies the diversity of the Fairbanks and UAF community.
Kicking off the celebration was a buffet dinner of traditional Chinese foods, provided by the local Chinese restaurant, Bamboo Panda, served to attendees by UAF students and Fairbanks friends who volunteered for the evening. Dishes served at the event included Chinese chicken curry, beef and broccoli, steamed buns, and dumplings.
A Chinese New Year’s tradition that was included in the event was a fun, interactive activity for the children involving puzzles and riddles that they would solve in exchange for prizes. It served to keep them all entertained as people finished their meals and the performers were given a chance to get themselves ready for the show.
Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Charlene Stern made a special appearance to speak briefly on the diversity and strength of the Fairbanks community. “Our community is one where students of all backgrounds can come to UAF not just to pursue their education, but to bring their full selves to strengthen their identities,” she said. “I’m really proud that our campus is that place for many.”
Also making a guest appearance was Fairbanks Northstar Borough Mayor Grier Hopkins, alongside his family. “Being able to have events like this in our community is inspiring,” he said. “Growing up in our community and understanding the diversity that we have is wonderful and shows how strong we are.”
Performances from the night included a children’s dance, a violin ensemble by UAF’s Northern Lights String Orchestra, a Chinese clothing pageant displaying traditional fashion through the years, and a song presented by the Chinese Fellowship. Community members came together on the stage, dedicating their time to bringing energy and excitement to their celebrations. From the oldest members of the community to the youngest, everyone gave it their all to their performances and to enjoying this new year to its fullest.