The Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Centre will be offering a number of events celebrating the Year of the Snake this week.

From 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Feb. 9, the organization will offer a free open house at its centre at 180 King St., with free food and entertainment.

The annual Chinese New Year banquet will take place at Kum Koon Garden on Feb. 12. It features Canada Post unveiling its 2013 Year of the Snake stamp and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ unveiling its 2013 Chinatown Banner.

It will also include an awards presentation by Mayor Sam Katz and live performances. Lieutenant Governor Philip S. Lee, Premier Greg Selinger, and other dignitaries will also be in attendance.

On February 16, the WCCCC will offer demonstrations at the Forks from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. They will feature a lion dance, Chinese folk singing, martial arts routines, and cooking demonstrations.

According to the WCCCC, Winnipeg has over 20,000 Chinese-Canadian community members.