On Saturday July 24, 2021, the Chinese Cultural Connection (CCC) in Malden opened its doors to the community. Located in the J Malden Center, the CCC gathered its staff and friends in the lobby for a day of fun, family and connection. Booths were set up showcasing traditional Chinese artifacts such as fans, coins, and dolls. Chinese knots were being woven, and across the way was a calligraphy station, where guests could request a custom phrase.

The largest crowd present were the children accompanying their families. In the middle of the lobby, seated on various surfaces from the floor to the stairs, kids gathered for storytime. A CCC employee read to them from Chinese picture books while they listened intently.

With the Chinese population in Malden growing, the area has recently become thought of as a “second Chinatown” for those outside Boston. With COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, and Malden’s investment in the city, it was felt to be a good time to engage with Chinese families, in person, as a community.