The final 2009 appearance of the Five Claw Dragon and Lion Dogs was at our fabulous end of the year celebration and demonstration. We are looking forward to 2010!

The Five Claw Dragon and Lion Dogs

Five Claw Lion Dogs clown it up in a Mokelumne Hill parade

The Five Claw Dragon and our two Lion Dogs have become celebrities amongst parade-goers in Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. Led by Shun Shifu Dan Sandelin and supported by our Dragon Team, the Five Claw Dragon weaves and runs between parade participants and the crowd. The Lion Dog dances alongside. His dance is said to bring good luck to all who see him!

The Five Claw Dragon runs in the Sonora Parade

We have run the Five Claw dragon through many parades in the Sierra Foothills and are proud to be able to support our community in these events. For some parades, we paint the faces of our participants in patterns derived from Chinese Theatre Opera. Our "Five Claw Kids" are especially enthusiastic about participating in these events.

This year, our Dragon got a new “skin”. He got a chance to show his new colors for the first time at the Mother’s Day Parade in Sonora.