NHILL’s Karen community is  preparing to celebrate the passing of a new year on Saturday.  The Karen calendar shows the celebration is on the first day on the month of Pyathoe. Organiser Kaw Doh Htoo said this year's celebrations would be the biggest yet.  “Our rough estimate is about 500 people will attend,” he said. “It’ll be more than last year.” Mr Htoo said the celebration was an important part of the Karen year and community.  “Every year we celebrate the new year in Nhill,” he said. “It’s important to preserve the culture and language so people don’t forget.  “It’s a constant reminder so every year we celebrate.” The celebration will run from 10.30am on Saturday at the Nhill Community Centre, starting with a formal ceremony. The event will feature a lunch, soccer and cane ball tournament, as well as cultural performances such as the Done Dancer and bamboo dance.