By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
January 18, 2012

While some believe the year 2012 will be the end of the world, Spike Nguyen believes something else.

“The Chinese think the opposite,” the owner of Pho Hoa Noodle Soup said. “This is the year of the water dragon, which represents giving life.”

To celebrate the 2012 Lunar New Year, Pho Hoa will host a celebration Monday, Jan. 23, at noon and 7 p.m. at the restaurant, 1447 Independence Ave., Kansas City. All are invited to attend.

“It’s a big celebration for us,” Nguyen said. “It’s bigger than Christmas. It’s bigger than any holiday.”

During the noon hour and 7 p.m. hour, Pho Hoa will provide free appetizers and the traditional dragon dance.

“You can’t have a New Year without a dragon dance!” he said. “It’s fun.”

Local dance group Phuoc Loc Tho will perform the dragon dance inside the restaurant and following the dance, Nguyen plans to set off fireworks.

“The Chinese are thinking this year will be the most prosperous year for them,” he said. “This sign (water dragon) only comes every 60 years. We think this is the year we’re going to make it happen – the year that will bring us a lot of joy.”