Celebration on         (new)

Fourth of July & 40^th Anniversary of Miss Phoenix Chinese

By Chinese United Associations of Greater Phoenx

1. Reasons and History of Celebration on National Day

At the beginning of 20^th century, Tang family, Yee family and Wong family have already resided in Phoenix City as Chinese families. Later on, Liu family, Kwan family, Zhang family and other families joined in this big family. Like other big cities in America, in order to achieve the purposes of mutual assistance and enemy defend, lineage societies were locally established by Chinese ancestors on the basis of surname classifications at initial period. The celebration on American National Day was firstly held by the Chinese in Benbu after Japan launched a total invasion in China in 1937. In 1939, “Chinese Oversea Head Association” was established by local merchants to organize the Chinese for celebration on American National Day on July 4^th and expression of their identification toward America and thus fight against race prejudice and race discrimination existing during that time. The burst of Pacific War in 1941 also stimulated a period of unrest that Youth of Overseas Chinese were positively attending military and fought against Japan by marching as far as Far East and China. Then the Chinese in Benbu started to celebrate American National Day in different places of Phoenix City. With 13 societies successively established by the Chinese in Phoenix City from 1968 to 1969, the “Phoenix Federation of Overseas Chinese Head Associations”, Since 1970, Federation of Overseas Chinese Head Associations started to undertake the task of holding celebration activities of National Day. Experienced leaders of overseas Chinese in Benbu, Mr. Yu Wenjing and Mr. Deng Zhushang described the scene upon the 10^th anniversary of Federation of Oversea Chinese Association in 1978 as follows: “When American National Day arrived, the overseas Chinese in Benbu will hold get-together meeting for the whole oversea Chinese in parks, lake shores or schools. On that day, people hilariously celebrated National Day. Through this way, we showed our supports and loyalty toward America with the consideration that this place is where I was born, grew up and resided in.”. “Since foundation of Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations, with the increase of the population of local Chinese and sharp rise of new immigrants, people attending celebration meeting have reached as highly as 2000 above in recent years. In past celebration meetings, Chinese American Beauty Queens is always raising a new climax among various programs. Five or six beauties attended this meeting every year. It is the most popular beauty program, making the celebration more colorful and vivid and increasing happiness year by year.”Until now,  Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations has had a history of holding National Day Celebration and Beauty Queens for forty years, whereas due to insufficient participants enrolled in some years, Chinese American Beauty Queens were only held for 28 years.

2. From Pursuing Identity to Striving for Rights 

Through holding National Day Celebration and beauty queens, Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations not only intends to show the unity force of the Chinese and pursuing identity from mainstream societies, but also wants to deepen knowledge and understanding of the next generation toward their mother country through positive promotion of Chinese culture. Through being held by years, the celebrations obtained attentions and supports from mainstream societies. In 1979, governor of Arizona State, Bruce E. Babbit came to the celebration field by himself and celebrated American National Day together with the Chinese. Up to 1990s, mayor of Phoenix City Skip Rimsza wrote it into his congratulation letter as: “I want to say, welcome all of you to attend this National Day Celebration Meeting held by Chinese Societies in Phoenix City. Since the end of 1930s, you have started to celebrate this historical event. This year will be the same with the past. Starting from national flag ceremony presented by Dengxin Ping demobilized soldier organization, the following programs will be played in order, e.g. Chinese American Beauty Queen, race dance and eating food. This celebration meeting will provide high entertainments. I want to say hello to all people attending the independence of America and wish you have safe and fantastic day."  In new millennium, Governor Jane Dee Hall also sent a congratulation letter saying: “On behalf of the whole Arizona State, I want to kindly welcome all friends to attend this celebration meeting held by Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations in Phoenix City on July 4^th. July 4^th is one day all people in America celebrate together and also a reflection of our country. I am glad to give my acknowledgement on these activities held this year. Thank you for your active participation and the precious contributions made to Chinese districts by you. I also praise the commitment and loyalty given to Arizona State citizens by you. You will spare no effort in the performance of your duties in order to maintain such strong spirits to the Chinese districts. ” During subsequent years of development, Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations gradually developed from pursing identity to striving for their rights, and obtained expenses granted by governmental departments to establish Kangning Mansion, Qiying Society and Kangle Mansion that is built now. Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations also hosted and collaborated to hold other public benefit activities in various aspects. The Chinese in Phoenix City always understand the meaning of holding American National Day in their residence and stick to this direction in forty years.

3. Exert Great Efforts to Carry Forward Chinese Culture    

National Day celebration activity held by Federation of Oversea Chinese Associations was firstly reported by Chinese and Foreign Journal and other newspapers in Taiwan, which wrote it under the title of Reports on 200^th Anniversary of American National Day by Phoenix City Chinese People in July, 1976 as follows:

“Phoenix City, the capital of Arizona State was inhabited by more than 5000 Chinese people dominated by Guangdong natives. They have lived here before Arizona Sate was merged into the Federal States. This celebration was launched by experienced leaders of oversea Chinese .More than 3000 guests went into the hall of rented town house that was neatly arranged as the meeting place under a lively atmosphere. When the curtain was revealed at 2 o’clock p.m, programs were successively played. Three Chinese films were played.  Clothes displayed by this exhibit, e.g. Cheongsam worn by concubines of Qing Dynasty. the programs were intermingled with one old wedding scene that was prevailing fifty years ago. On this scene, the bride groom was wearing a blue robe, a gourd hat on his head and satin shoes, with red knots fixed on the top of his hat and a giant bead hung in the front. The groom was wearing costumey clothes weaved by embroidery from top to bottom, her face covered by one square scarf and surrounded with flower bunches. She slowly stepped forward under support by “Wedding matchmaker”. After standing on the stage, she would bow to the heaven and the earth with the bride groom and then were sent to bridal chamber for completion of wedding. Because of its authenticity, when seeing this, the elderly were smiling as if remembering the old days; the youth felt it fresh and interesting, finally giving a storm of applause to this program.  Dragon dance and beauty queens were incorporated in the programs with lucky draws accompanied for adding entertainments. To avoid guests being hungry and returning in low spirits, the preparation meeting considerately prepares exquisite self-service lunch for each guest, which fully presented the manners and disposition that are considerate for others for our Chinese people. This meeting achieved great success by developing the functions of celebration and get-together as a grand meeting. Hereby reports are made for memorization.” 

The first National Day Memorial List was published on  1978, which used “Chinese Red” as bottom color on the bottom of cover, and was titled with “Memorial on American National Day by Phoenix Federation of Overseas Chinese Head Associations”, with portraits of eight queens elected by Chinese American Beauty Queens from 1970 to 1977 shown on the left side and right side. displaying profound taste of Chinese cultures. Special journals related to National Day were successively published since then on. Until the 40th anniversary of Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations in 2008, the National Day Memorial List was printed with memorial articles and pictures, summarizing the contributions of Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations made to Chinese districts in past years, reviewing the past processes and looking forward to the new path.

4. Memorial on 40^th Anniversary of Chinese American Beauty Queens in Phoenix City

Celebration on American National Day and 40^th anniversary of Chinese American Beauty Queens is held this year. In past years, celebration activity on National Day is continuously providing one platform for eulogizing Chinese culture and promoting eastern etiquette. Chinese American Beauty Queens is the most beautiful view on the whole field.

National Day Memorial List of Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations in 1978 was also reported as follows:  Since 1970, National Day celebration has incorporated beauty queens activity.  The beauty elected as queens didn’t necessarily look good, whereas they must have inner beauty. The beauty who collected the most coupons in her name will be the winner and elected as the queen.  Because appraises were not held, queens from 1970 to 1973 only were awarded with the title without being crowned. Until 1974, rules were specified for beauty queens activity that except evening dress show and swimsuit show, the beauties should answer questions from judges. Miss Dengmei Zhen (Patt Toy) won the first prize in 1974, and was awarded the top 4 in Chinese American Beauty Queens in Los Angles. At initial period, talent shows mainly were folk dances like fan dance and red silk dance. Nowadays, it has evolved into professional makeup and dance trainings. Songs, dances, Kongfu, swordsmanship, ballet dance and ballroom dance will be performed; as for instruments, piano, saxophone, flute, violin, viola and koto were incorporated into the performance scope. With so many colorful programs, it made National Day celebration more ornamental.  In 2002, Beauty Ivy Rou Feng in Phoenix City was awarded the top three in American Chinese Beauty Queens.  At initial period, a majority of beauties were local natives. However, in recent years, beauties from Phoenix City, Tucson City, Taiwan and China Mainland were also attracted to attend this celebration.  Since 1990s, with the publication of Chinese language newspapers, National Day celebration and Beauty Queens were well-known to all. Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations also invited Eastern TV and Phoenix TV to conduct interviews and reports that make Chinese beauties fly high and renowned in the world!  In this year, except happily celebrating National Day and the 40^th anniversary of Chinese American Beauty Queens, we will also issue the photos of 26 winners collected through many years to the public. Through contacting with the queens in many sessions, Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations would invite them to celebrate the 234^th anniversary of American National Day together.

(old one)

Celebration on

Fourth of July & 40^th Anniversary of Miss Phoenix Chinese

By Chinese United Associations of Greater Phoenx

1. Reasons and History of Celebration on National Day

At the beginning of 20^th century, Tang family, Yee family and Wong family have already resided in Phoenix City as Chinese families. Later on, Liu family, Kwan family, Zhang family and other families joined in this big family. Like other big cities in America, in order to achieve the purposes of mutual assistance and enemy defend, lineage societies were locally established by Chinese ancestors on the basis of surname classifications at initial period. The celebration on American National Day was firstly held by the Chinese in Benbu after Japan launched a total invasion in China in 1937. In 1939, “Chinese Oversea Head Association” was established by local merchants to organize the Chinese for celebration on American National Day on July 4^th and expression of their identification toward America and thus fight against race prejudice and race discrimination existing during that time. Another donation activity called as “One Bowel of Rice" was also launched by Chinese Oversea Head Association with the aim of remitting collected money to help fellow citizens in China. The burst of Pacific War in 1941 also stimulated a period of unrest that Youth of Overseas Chinese were positively attending military and fought against Japan by marching as far as Far East and China. Then the Chinese in Benbu started to celebrate American National Day in different places of Phoenix City. With 13 societies successively established by the Chinese in Phoenix City from 1968 to 1969, the “Phoenix Federation of Overseas Chinese Head Associations”, shortly named as “Federation of Overseas Chinese Head Associations” was brewed and established, with Mr. Guang Chongqiong who was a venerable leader of overseas Chinese selected as the first president. Since 1970, Federation of Overseas Chinese Head Associations started to undertake the task of holding celebration activities of National Day. Experienced leaders of overseas Chinese in Benbu, Mr. Yu Wenjing and Mr. Deng Zhushang described the scene upon the 10^th anniversary of Federation of Oversea Chinese Association in 1987 as follows: “When American National Day arrived, the overseas Chinese in Benbu will hold get-together meeting for the whole oversea Chinese in parks, lake shores or schools. On that day, people hilariously celebrated National Day. Through this way, we showed our supports and loyalty toward America with the consideration that this place is where I was born, grew up and resided in.”. “Celebration meetings were mainly hosted by Overseas Chinese Head Association by sometimes arranging celebration places in rented Boy Scout Chamber or Lamadi Hotel and planned by shrewd presidents in previous years. Celebration meetings included the following programs: lucky draw, fashion cloth show, Mandarin and Cantonese dialect films, music and dance, lion performance. The atmosphere was so lively with such rich programs played. “Later on, because Oversea Chinese Head Association is only one society standing for merchants rather than the representative of the whole Chinese, and donation activity failed to be spread throughout the whole city, a joint meting by chiefs from all Overseas Chinese societies was required to promote the preparation and establishment of Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations in 1969.” “Since foundation of Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations, with the increase of the population of local Chinese and sharp rise of new immigrants, people attending celebration meeting have reached as highly as 2000 above in recent years. In past celebration meetings, Chinese American Beauty Queens is always raising a new climax among various programs. Five or six beauties attended this meeting every year. It is the most popular beauty program, making the celebration more colorful and vivid and increasing happiness year by year.”Until now,  Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations has had a history of holding National Day Celebration and Beauty Queens for forty years, whereas due to insufficient participants enrolled in some years, Chinese American Beauty Queens were only held for 28 years.

2. From Pursuing Identity to Striving for Rights 

Through holding National Day Celebration and beauty queens, Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations not only intends to show the unity force of the Chinese and pursuing identity from mainstream societies, but also wants to deepen knowledge and understanding of the next generation toward their mother country through positive promotion of Chinese culture. Through being held by years, the celebrations obtained attentions and supports from mainstream societies. In 1979, governor of Arizona State, Bruce E. Babbit came to the celebration field by himself and celebrated American National Day together with the Chinese. Up to 1990s, mayor of Phoenix City Skip Rimsza wrote it into his congratulation letter as: “I want to say, welcome all of you to attend this National Day Celebration Meeting held by Chinese Societies in Phoenix City. Since the end of 1930s, you have started to celebrate this historical event. This year will be the same with the past. Starting from national flag ceremony presented by Dengxin Ping demobilized soldier organization, the following programs will be played in order, e.g. Chinese American Beauty Queen, race dance and eating food. This celebration meeting will provide high entertainments. I want to say hello to all people attending the independence of America and wish you have safe and fantastic day."  In new millennium, Governor Jane Dee Hall also sent a congratulation letter saying: “On behalf of the whole Arizona State, I want to kindly welcome all friends to attend this celebration meeting held by Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations in Phoenix City on July 4^th. July 4^th is one day all people in America celebrate together and also a reflection of our country. I am glad to give my acknowledgement on these activities held this year. Thank you for your active participation and the precious contributions made to Chinese districts by you. I also praise the commitment and loyalty given to Arizona State citizens by you. You will spare no effort in the performance of your duties in order to maintain such strong spirits to the Chinese districts. ” During subsequent years of development, Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations gradually developed from pursing identity to striving for their rights, and obtained expenses granted by governmental departments to establish Kangning Mansion, Qiying Society and Kangle Mansion that is built now. Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations also hosted and collaborated to hold other public benefit activities in various aspects.

The Chinese in Phoenix City always understand the meaning of holding American National Day in their residence and stick to this direction in forty years. The President and leader team of Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations in each year dare not to shabbily treat this event and thus often discuss work schedule in concentrated meetings and seriously implement all works, as well as paying efforts to hold National Day celebration well in each session.

3. Exert Great Efforts to Carry Forward Chinese Culture   

Through holding National Day celebration activities in past years, Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations allowed mainstream societies to obtain more understandings and acknowledge of us through multiple performances and Chinese American Beauty Queens that are aimed to eulogize Chinese culture. National Day celebration activity held by Federation of Oversea Chinese Associations was firstly reported by Chinese and Foreign Journal and other newspapers in Taiwan, which wrote it under the title of Reports on 200^th Anniversary of American National Day by Phoenix City Chinese People in July, 1976 as follows:

“Phoenix City, the capital of Arizona State was inhabited by more than 5000 Chinese people dominated by Guangdong natives. They have lived here before Arizona Sate was merged into the Federal States. This celebration was launched by experienced leaders of oversea Chinese .More than 3000 guests went into the hall of rented town house that was neatly arranged as the meeting place under a lively atmosphere. When the curtain was revealed at 2 o’clock p.m, programs were successively played. Three Chinese films were played. The most outstanding program was Cloth Exhibit at the Ending of Qing Dynasty and Beginning of Min Dynasty. Clothes displayed by this exhibit, e.g. Cheongsam worn by concubines of Qing Dynasty, gold and silver weaved textures, colored embroidery are shown by many notable young ladies neatly dressed as guests. They stood in elegant gestures, attracting attention from all. Besides, the programs were intermingled with one old wedding scene that was prevailing fifty years ago. On this scene, the bride groom was wearing a blue robe, a gourd hat on his head and satin shoes, with red knots fixed on the top of his hat and a giant bead hung in the front. The groom was wearing costumey clothes weaved by embroidery from top to bottom, her face covered by one square scarf and surrounded with flower bunches. She slowly stepped forward under support by “Wedding matchmaker”. After standing on the stage, she would bow to the heaven and the earth with the bride groom and then were sent to bridal chamber for completion of wedding. Because of its authenticity, when seeing this, the elderly were smiling as if remembering the old days; the youth felt it fresh and interesting, finally giving a storm of applause to this program.  Dragon dance and beauty queens were incorporated in the programs with lucky draws accompanied for adding entertainments. To avoid guests being hungry and returning in low spirits, the preparation meeting considerately prepares exquisite self-service lunch for each guest, which fully presented the manners and disposition that are considerate for others for our Chinese people. This meeting achieved great success by developing the functions of celebration and get-together as a grand meeting. Hereby reports are made for memorization.” 

The first National Day Memorial List was published on the 10th anniversary of Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations in 1978, which used “Chinese Red” as bottom color on the bottom of cover, and was titled with “Memorial on American National Day by Phoenix Federation of Overseas Chinese Head Associations”, with portraits of eight queens elected by Chinese American Beauty Queens from 1970 to 1977 shown on the left side and right side. Congratulation letters given by Federal Judge Dengxin Ping and important governmental members from states and cities, congratulation texts, poetry and information given by 13 societies affiliated to Federation of Oversea Chinese Head Associations, winning statements of Chinese American Beauty Miss Yuhai Lun were included into the memorial list, displaying profound taste of Chinese cultures. Special journals related to National Day were successively published since then on. Until the 40th anniversary of Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations in 2008, the National Day Memorial List was printed with memorial articles and pictures, summarizing the contributions of Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations made to Chinese districts in past years, reviewing the past processes and looking forward to the new path.

4. Memorial on 40^th Anniversary of Chinese American Beauty Queens in Phoenix City

Celebration on American National Day and 40^th anniversary of Chinese American Beauty Queens is held this year. In past years, celebration activity on National Day is continuously providing one platform for eulogizing Chinese culture and promoting eastern etiquette. Chinese American Beauty Queens is the most beautiful view on the whole field.

The Beauty Queens held by Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations was earliest reported by Chinese Times in 1975 as: The beauty election pushed the celebration meeting to the climax.  Beauties were Limei, Dengshu Yi, Dengxiang Ai, Dengkai Zhu, Huxi Li and Yucui Xing. There were five judges with Tanrong Xiang as host. Election processes included talent show, intelligent answer, swimsuit show and cheongsam show. These beauties were gorgeously dressed and competed with each other for glamour. After election finished, Miss Guanmei Zhen the winner in last contest announced that Dengxiang Ai would be honored with the beauty of Chamber Commerce this year due to her superior talents and then gave the crown to her. People were excited for the event that Miss Guanmei Zhen was awarded the top four princess in Dabu Beauty Queens last year. With regard to beauty queens this year, they planed to make assessment by groups, seriously selected beauties and showed their determination of achieving successes like started challenges against Golden Gate.” Such spectacular event can be seen from above words. 

National Day Memorial List of Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations in 1978 was also reported as follows:  Since 1970, National Day celebration has incorporated beauty queens activity.  The beauty elected as queens didn’t necessarily look good, whereas they must have inner beauty. The beauty who collected the most coupons in her name will be the winner and elected as the queen.  Because appraises were not held, queens from 1970 to 1973 only were awarded with the title without being crowned. Until 1974, rules were specified for beauty queens activity that except evening dress show and swimsuit show, the beauties should answer questions from judges. Miss Dengmei Zhen (Patt Toy) won the first prize in 1974, and was awarded the top 4 in Chinese American Beauty Queens in Los Angles. At initial period, talent shows mainly were folk dances like fan dance and red silk dance. Nowadays, it has evolved into professional makeup and dance trainings. Songs, dances, Kongfu, swordsmanship, ballet dance and ballroom dance will be performed; as for instruments, piano, saxophone, flute, violin, viola and koto were incorporated into the performance scope. With so many colorful programs, it made National Day celebration more ornamental.  In 2002, Beauty Ivy Rou Feng in Phoenix City was awarded the top three in American Chinese Beauty Queens.  At initial period, a majority of beauties were local natives. However, in recent years, beauties from Phoenix City, Tucson City, Taiwan and China Mainland were also attracted to attend this celebration. For example, beauties Huangying Ying and Yangqian were from Guangzhou and Shenyang, who took the crown in 2000 and 2007 respectively as participants in south and north of China. Since 1990s, with the publication of Chinese language newspapers, National Day celebration and Beauty Queens were well-known to all. Celebration activity will become one part of life to the Chinese in Phoenix City.  Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations also invited Eastern TV and Phoenix TV to conduct interviews and reports that make Chinese beauties fly high and renowned in the world!  In this year, except happily celebrating National Day and the 40^th anniversary of Chinese American Beauty Queens, we will also issue the photos of 26 winners collected through many years to the public. Through contacting with the queens in many sessions, Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations would invite them to celebrate the 234^th anniversary of American National Day together.