The Dragon Soars through the Thanksgiving Parade

The Chinese Culture and Community Service Center’s (CCACC) Youth Dragon Dance Team was invited by Montgomery County to attend the 23rd Thanksgiving Parade in celebration of autumn and the season of gratitude and blessings.

Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States with multiple different ways to enjoy the holiday. Many people enjoy gatherings where they can enjoy turkey, pumpkin pie, and lots of delicious food. Others enjoy the beautiful parades that march through the streets and bring joy to the viewers. The magnificent Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade started at 10 in the morning on November 23, with Montgomery County Executive, Marc Elrich, starting the parade.

Out of the many different groups at the parade, CCACC’s Youth Dragon Dance Team was one of the most popular. As the dragon wove through the streets it garnered a lot of attention, mesmerizing both adults and children with its every movement. Everywhere the dragon moved, the audience followed it with cameras, capturing its majesty.

Over 160 groups from across Montgomery County participated in the parade, including government organizations, representatives, schools, clubs, and businesses. Despite the freezing temperature, the streets were still filled with applause and shouts of joy. Each and every person put their heart and soul into the parade.

The CCACC Youth Dragon Dance Team was formed for the purpose of spreading Chinese culture, letting the community see the splendor of the Chinese dragon and the blessings it can bring. The team is built up of 4th-12th graders who dedicate their time after school to practice all the different techniques and formations needed to make the dragon come alive. Through dedication and practice, the students learn to control the different parts of the dragon for different dances, allowing them to take on different roles, allowing them to embrace and embody the true spirit of the dragon.