Vernon library hosts Chinese cultural event for Year of the Fire Horse

Families galloped into the Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire Saturday to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse with regional Chinese dance performances by Yin He Dance of Chicago.

Angela Tam, founding artistic director of Yin He Dance, performed a Han Folk Dance for the group before teaching children a Yunnan Flower Lantern Dance.

“We’re really excited this year,” said Jennifer Ernsteen, Youth & Teen Program coordinator at Vernon Area Public Library. “They’re (Yin He Dance) a great group to work with, and it’s a lot of it’s a lot of fun to have these families.”

The Chinese New Year in 2026 fell on Tuesday, Feb. 17, marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse and the celebration, known as the Spring Festival, lasts 16 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival on March 3.

The Fire Horse is a rare Chinese zodiac year that occurs every 60 years symbolizing energy, passion, and, volatility.