The Lunar New Year Of The Hare Hops Into Flushing

    What was formerly the celebration of "Chinese New Year" is now the celebration of the "Lunar New Year (the year of the hare — 4697) and this fourth annual celebration of the new year was welcomed in Flushing by people of diverse Asian backgrounds parading in unity.
Headed by Queens Borough President, Claire Shulman, representatives from the Asian communities, and ambassadors from both The Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of Korea, the colorful parade included dragon and lion dancers, martial arts demonstrations, acrobatic dancers, marching musical groups, floats and marching members of 50 organizations from the community waving the American flag and colorful banners.
The parade ended at P.S. 20 where Shulman greeted a packed auditorium with Happy New Year greetings (to which the audience gave a hearty responding "Happy New Year") and spoke of "unity" being something special here in Queens where we have the largest Asian population in the U.S.A. The Borough President then presented three proclamations to parade organizers Adrian Joyce, chairperson of Community Board #7; Ethel Chen and John Hong. Other speakers included representatives from Governor’s and Mayor’s offices.
After the welcoming speeches, the audience enjoyed performances by the Korean "Angels," martial arts experts drummers and singers.
Also at P.S. 20, there was an Asian Cultural Bazaar featuring everything from free telephone directories in which you can let your fingers do the walking in Chinese as well as in English, delightful gifts of good luck paper birds from Susan Chen Sanborn, registration for voting (Asian Americans for Equity), Korean taffy sold by colorfully costumed vendors, and imported packets of powdered elk horn for making a healthy brew, to various Asian new year ornaments.