On Sunday, February 15th, the “New Middletown Department Store” located in downtown Middletown, New York, held a celebration event for the Chinese Year of the Tiger. The mayor of Middletown, government officials, and community members gathered at the event to enjoy exciting cultural performances.
The New Middletown Department Store, situated at 29 North Street in the heart of the city, occupies the former location of the Tampkins Department Store and opened in November 2023. It not only offers a high-end boutique collection of Shen Yun art products but also features a selection of premium American-made goods and specialty products from around the world.
In recent years, apart from its commercial activities, the New Middletown Department Store has actively participated in community events. Starting from last Independence Day, it has organized candlelight concerts and other activities during major holidays, which have been well-received by the local residents.
Mayor Joseph DeStefano expressed gratitude to the organizers, stating, “The New Middletown Department Store, Shen Yun Performing Arts, and Feitian Arts Academy have made significant contributions to our community, and today’s event showcases our appreciation for Chinese culture.”
Students from the Northern Academy of the Arts’ dance and music departments presented a variety of artistic programs including classical female and male dances, children’s choir singing “Sounds of Longing,” pipa and wind ensemble performances.
Councilman Andrew Green from the city’s Second District said, “The dances and music were simply fantastic, exceptionally beautiful and inspiring! We are delighted to have such wonderful shops and cultural performances in the city center.”
The Sunday celebration attracted hundreds of neighbors. Councilman Paul Johnson from the Third District of Middletown, Orange County, New York, said, “We celebrate the various communities (cultures) in the city center together. They are all part of our community, and we love them all.”
Maria Bruni, the Director of Economic and Community Development in Middletown, Orange County, New York, also attended the Chinese New Year celebration. She believed that the New Middletown Department Store bringing the celebration event to our downtown was “absolutely fantastic!”