“Every year it’s different, and no matter what, it never fails to dazzle the eyes and the senses.”
Randy Sentachi, former store manager for Lucky California.
Many of Randy’s fondest work memories are of the time he devoted to The Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair and Parade. The gorgeous floats making their way toward San Francisco’s Chinatown have been a part of his life for 19 years. “The Lucky float has always featured auspicious fruits like tangerines and mangosteens, and of course, the Chinese kitchen god. I always appreciated how excited our team members became about participating, wearing traditional Chinese gowns, and proudly riding on the Lucky float. One team member would help others apply their traditional makeup, and then they would take pictures around the store. Our customers really love it.”
Lucky California’s Sloat Blvd. store manager, Sergio Mungcal II, agrees, having attended the Flower Fair every year since 2006. He and his team honor the traditions and symbolism of the Lunar New Year by starting long before the sun rises and getting ready for the fair by counting the number of blooms on each plant to ensure they bring good fortune.
While the pandemic necessitates that this year’s fair and parade will look different, the celebration and the traditions are not lost. We’ll celebrate with a digital float debuting on this year’s Chinese New Year Parade Special on KTVU and KTSF and we’ll introduce the Lucky Feast Ox to its home in our Lucky California Sloat Blvd. store. The ox, designed by bay area resident artist, Eduardo Valadez Arenas, will be adorned with traditional auspicious foods that represent liveliness, happiness, wealth, longevity, and good fortune.
The power of good food bringing people together and connecting us all is at the heart of Lucky California. Our stores and our team members, both past and present, are honored to be part of the Chinese New Year celebration.