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Montgomery County proclaims Feb. 17 as Lunar New Year Day, leaders celebrate growing AAPI community
Summary
Council member Kristen Mink introduced a proclamation adopted by the County Council and County Executive recognizing Feb. 17, 2026 as Lunar New Year Day; County Executive Mark Eldridge and community leaders highlighted the county’s growing Asian American population and pledged county support for immigrants.
Council member Kristen Mink presented a proclamation designating Feb. 17, 2026, as Lunar New Year Day in Montgomery County and framed the observance as recognition of the county’s diverse Asian American community.
Mink, who identified herself as District 5’s representative and said she is the first Asian American to sit on the council, shared family stories and traditions tied to Lunar New Year and thanked community organizations for their work. “Our Asian American community is so diverse and brings so much to Montgomery County,” she said, urging residents to join celebrations across the county.
County Executive Mark Eldridge spoke after Mink and described the holiday as an opportunity to celebrate cultural traditions and community ties. He said the county’s Asian population has grown substantially, stating that “today, the Asian population is 16% of Montgomery County.” Eldridge emphasized county resources and partnerships to support immigrant residents and said the county will continue to stand with the community regardless of federal actions.
Representatives from local organizations and cultural centers — including the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington, and others — introduced themselves and highlighted community services such as senior programs, youth outreach and cultural events planned for the celebration at Montgomery Mall.
The council and county executive formally proclaimed the date and encouraged residents to participate in county events celebrating Lunar New Year. The proclamation directs recognition of community contributions and invited attendance at county celebrations scheduled in February.
The council then moved on to its regular agenda.
