Bridgewater Commons to Welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with 6th Annual “Lunar New Year @ The Commons” on February 21 and 22

BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (February 9, 2025) — Continuing a beloved annual tradition, Bridgewater Commons will once again celebrate Asia’s grandest ancient traditional festival with the free “Lunar New Year @ The Commons Celebration” to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse on Saturday, February 21 ,and Sunday, February 22.

The beating of drums, cymbals and gongs accompanying dragon dance movements to bring good luck and fortune will be just the beginning of the event, held in partnership with The Center for Cultural & Creative Exchange (CCCE). The center will host live performances, a fashion show and even an interactive Lunar New Year Zumba to signal the beginning of spring and the arrival of the new year. In the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of the Fire Horse symbolizes courage, forward momentum and decisive action.

From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on both days, the center will host a Chinese arts and crafts workshop that includes Chinese calligraphy and lantern making at the Event Space, located on the Main Level by Vans. In addition, the traditional Chinese giving of red envelopes filled with treats and special offers will delight lucky attendees.

“’Lunar @ the Commons’ is one of the most colorful and entertaining events we host each year — I’m always amazed at the talent of the dancers, the beauty of their costumes and the stories they tell,” said Tom Kovacic, Marketing and Business Development Director of Bridgewater Commons. “We’re blessed to be in an exceptionally diverse area, so it’s always a highlight to celebrate our Asian American community, and to work with CCCE to create events that will honor Chinese culture and educate all of our guests.”

Tom Kovacic, Marketing and Business Development Director of Bridgewater Commons

This year’s live performances on Saturday, February 21 at 3 p.m. include:

• A traditional Lion dance by Adam Cheung and Polaris
• Dances and Chinese Yo-Yo from the Murray Hill Chinese School
• “It’s Just Life” performance by Dream Cats
• A Wedding Procession by CCCE and Polaris
• A Mongolian Chopstick Dance
• A Magic Show with Eric Qiu
• A Dancing Ink contemporary Chinese dance by Hua Xia Editon Dance
• Yi Ethnic Dance by Raritan Valley Chinese School
• “Love You More Than I Can Say” performance by APT Troupe

Established in 2019, CCCE is a non-profit organization founded in New Jersey and its mission is twofold: to help preserve Chinese culture and heritage and to promote unity, harmony, and respect for all demographic groups within the community. Through sharing East Asian culture and art, CCCE provides several cultural events annually including The Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Lunar Chinese New Year and many more.

“We’re thrilled to share the beauty and traditions of Lunar New Year with all of Central New Jersey,” said Li Ching Jung, Head of the CCCE. “And there is no better partner than Bridgewater Commons!”

Bridgewater Commons began its Asian cultural celebrations in 2020 with Lunar New year dance spectaculars in Center Court that featured over 40 performers drawing hundreds of guests. The annual program has evolved and grown into this year’s expanded Lunar celebration. Other cultural celebrations throughout the year at the shopping center include the Chinese Mid-Autumn Lantern Festivals and Diwali, in honor of the unique diversity in Somerset County.

Located along Interstate 287 at the intersections of Route 22 and Route 202/206, the 1.2 million-square-foot Bridgewater Commons is Somerset County’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment destination.

About Bridgewater Commons

Bridgewater Commons is one of Northern New Jersey’s premier shopping destinations, located in a vibrant suburb in proximity to New York City. The 1.2 million-square-foot shopping center features a vibrant mix of retailers and restaurants with wide consumer appeal. More than 150 brands call Bridgewater Commons home, from well-known national retailers and restaurants such as Apple, lululemon athletica, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Fogo de Chão, Seasons 52 and The Cheesecake Factory, to popular local small shops like Athletifreak, Millburn Deli and DIG. In 2023, Bridgewater Commons celebrated its 35th anniversary and was acquired by Pacific Retail Capital Partners, one of the premier owners of retail real estate in the country. For more information on the property, please visit bridgewatercommons.com or follow on social media: Facebook @BridgewaterCommons and Instagram: shopbridgewatercommons.

About Pacific Retail Capital Partners
Pacific Retail Capital Partners (PRCP) is one of the nation’s premier retail operating groups of large open- air and enclosed shopping centers, with more than $3.0 billion in assets under management across the United States. Based in Southern California, the company’s portfolio totals 24 properties encompassing over 20 million square feet. With a highly experienced team that has a proven track record of generating value its stakeholders, PRCP is dedicated to evolving real estate for the next generation by working with the communities it serves to design master plans that transform its assets into high-performing mixed-use destinations. The vertically-integrated company provides end-to-end sourcing, assessment, underwriting, valuing, developing, marketing, design and asset management services. To learn more visit pacificretail.com or follow on social media at: Facebook: @PacificRetailCapitalPartners and Instagram: @PacificRetail.

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