Frigid temperatures couldn’t keep Asian-Americans from celebrating the Lunar New Year in grand style during the annual Flushing Lunar New Year Parade on Saturday morning.
Governor Andrew Cuomo was grand marshal of the festivities and, prior to the march, accepted the “Man of the Year” award from the Flushing Chinese Business Association. He lauded Asian-Americans in Queens for bringing energy, economic power and culture to the “World’s Borough,” adding that their contributions have made Queens “stronger than ever.”
“It’s such a joy to see the Asian-American community flourishing here in Queens, making New York a better state. Because that is the New York story,” Cuomo said. “People come from all over for a chance at opportunity and education to be part of this city and state, and they make this city and state stronger. And the Asian-American community is a beautiful example of that.”
Following the award ceremony, the march got underway featuring traditional lion and dragon dancers, monkey dancers in honor of the Chinese Year of the Monkey, drummers and other performers. Groups representing organizations such as Met Life, the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, F&T, the Buddhist Light International Association, the Korean Veterans of the Vietnam War, Boy Scout Troop 888 and Met Life also participated.
