MYRTLE BEACH, SC.- Chinese astrology suggests that 2007, The Year of the Pig, will be a time of plenty and goodwill, of abundance and extravagance. One thing is certain, however: Grand Strand residents and visitors will find an abundance of fun and cultural enrichment at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum’s Free Family Day celebration of Chinese New Year. The event, sponsored by – who else? – Piggly Wiggly Carolina, takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10.

This year’s celebration will kick off with a traditional Lion Dance, followed by vocal performances, storytelling, Chinese music and dance, traditional foods and a wide range of demonstrations and family workshops.

Participants at the event can learn to eat with chopsticks or make masks, lanterns, fans and kites to fly (weather permitting). They can play such Chinese-originated games as Mah Jong, dominoes or Chinese checkers; watch traditional Chinese paper cutting and brush painting; or have their names written in Chinese calligraphy.

Want to learn about various forms of martial arts including Chi Qong and Tai Chi, acupuncture or Feng Shui, the ancient practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony with the environment? This is your chance.

Youngsters can enjoy storytelling and face painting, explore Chinese children’s literature or watch a video of Sesame Street’s “Big Bird in China.” A second video titled “Guonian,” geared toward adults, depicts New Year’s traditions as they are observed in China.

The whole family will enjoy sampling Chinese noodles and fortune cookies – not to mention ice cream (a Chinese invention) from Ben and Jerry’s – while being entertained by singer Precious Jade with traditional Chinese songs. Setting the tone for the day will be a display of Chinese artwork, on loan from area collectors.

While attending the event, visitors are encouraged to browse the Museum’s two current exhibits, Then and Now: Selected Artists from the Permanent Collection, running through April ; and The Fabric of Jazz: A Tribute to the Genius of American Music, Lauren Camp, Fabric Artist, on view through March 25. Admission to all events is free. For further information, call 843-238-2510.