The town of Locke is located in the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta and is a unique place to experience the history of Chinese-American culture. The community was built by Chinese immigrants in 1915, and at its peak was inhabited by over 600 Chinese-American residents. Nowadays, there are less than 80 people living there, but the town retains its culture and charm. Locke is considered the largest and most complete example of a rural agricultural Chinese-American community in the United States. The Sacramento County historical society added Locke to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, based on the fact that Locke is the only town in the United States that was built completely by the Chinese, for the Chinese. Coming up on May 12, the community is celebrating the town’s history with the Asian Pacific Spring Festival, which will be taking place on Main Street in Locke. The celebration will include Taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, music and dance, food, vendors, raffles and more. Chinese calligraphy lessons are also being offered at 11 a.m. on May 6 at the Locke Chinese School Museum. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and all ages are invited to attend. Admission and parking is free. For more information, visit Locke-foundation.org
**This write-up first appeared in print on page 15 of issue #265 (May 7 – 21, 2018)**
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