The Golden Dragon presented by California Shaolin Temple welcomed everyone to the Monterey Park’s 2015 Lunar New Year held February 7 and 8 on Garvey Avenue.  This is the Year of the Goat or Golden Ram based on the Chinese Zodiac.

Johnny Thompson from the Business Improvement District Advisory Committee welcomed the residents and their guests to the largest Lunar New Year Festival in the USA sponsored by World Journal Los Angeles, the City of Monterey Park and Business Improvement District Advisory Committee.

Mayor Hans Liang and his wife, Loni Liang were the Masters of Ceremonies. They welcomed everyone to this ceremony in honor of the Year of the Goat and led the Flag Salute.

Olivia Thai sang our National Anthem.

Mayor Liang introduced the VIPs that included Mayor Pro Tem Peter Chan, Councilmembers Mitch Ing, Teresa Real Sebastian and Anthony Wong, City Clerk Vince Chang, City Treasurer Joseph Leon, Becky Cheng representing Congressmember Judy Chu and Boardmember Mike Eng, James Guo from the World Journal, members of the Cultural Office of Taipai, Assemblymember Ed Chau, Garvey School Boardmember Henry Lo, Clay Arick representing Senator Ed Hernandez, Lawrence Shih representing Supervisor Hilda Solis, Sophie Wong, former Mayor Betty Tom Chu, former Mayor Francisco Alonso, former Mayor David Lau,  former Mayor Lily Lee Chen, Rosemead Councilmember Margaret Clark, San Gabriel Councilmember Jason Pu and Water Boardmember Thomas Wong.

Mayor Liang proudly announced that this is our 23rd Lunar New Years celebration and this year we have 275 booths that occupy seven blocks on Garvey Avenue. He thanked everyone for being here. Have a good and safe time!

Assemblymember Ed Chau wished everyone a Happy New Year! He is happy to be here to celebrate with the city in the year of the Ram. He presented proclamations to the Council, World Journal and BIDAC.

Clay Arick representing Senator Ed Hernandez sent his best wishes for a Happy New Year! He presented proclamations to the Council, World Journal and BIDAC.

Lawrence Shih representing Supervisor Hilda Solis sent her best wishes for a Happy New Year! He presented proclamations to the Council, World Journal and BIDAC.

Becky Cheng representing Congressmember Judy Chu and Boardmember Mike Eng sent their best wishes for a Happy New Year! She presented proclamations to the Council, World Journal and BIDAC.

Mayor Pro Tem Peter Chan welcomed everyone to Monterey Park. He wished them a Happy and Healthy New Year of the Goat or Ram. He thanked the city, World Journal and the sponsors for this event. Please enjoy!

Councilmember Mitch Ing also welcomed the audience. We celebrate the Lunar New Year. People from all over the world come to this country to enjoy what this country has to offer. Happy New Year!

Councilmember Teresa Real Sebastian wished everyone a Happy New Year! She welcomed them to Monterey Park and said we are from many cultures. We celebrate all of the cultures in our city.

Councilmember Anthony Wong wished the crowd a Happy New Year! The job of the Council is to help everyone in the city of Monterey Park.

City Clerk Vince Chang also welcomed the audience to Monterey Park. Our government must all work together to serve you. As city clerk he reminded people to vote on March 3rd.  If you are eligible to vote but not registered please visit his booth to register to vote in this election.

City Treasurer Joseph Leon wished the crowd a Happy New Year! This is a very special time for his family as he introduced his wife, daughter and mother-in-law to audience.

James Guo from the World Journal wished the audience a Happy New Year! The city, World Journal and BIDAC are the best team. We respect each other like a husband must obey his wife.  He said this is an old Chinese proverb. This event has also been advertised in the Hispanic and English news media. We want to bridge out to all of the communities. East and West have a beneficial meeting to share our dreams and enjoy all the beauty together.

Mayor Liang this is a great opportunity to enjoy this festival. It is multicultural. He spoke about the tragic car accident in Monterey Park that killed beloved Crossing Guard Abel Castellanos, a longtime resident. This is a major loss to our community. The Police and Fire Departments are collecting donations to help his family.

Robert Swanson from the US Post Office joined with elected officials and Monterey Park Postmaster Donna Sosa to unveil the “Year of the Ram” Forever stamp dedicated at the Monterey Park Lunar New Year Festival.  Contact your local Post Office to purchase this beautiful stamp.

Mayor Liang recognized and thanked the major sponsors of this celebration.

Teachers and students from Shaolin UU Kung Fu Center displayed their Martial Arts training to the delight of the crowd.

Alpacas, ponies, a cow, a goat, rabbits, chickens and more pets were at the KIDZ ZOO petting zoo to the delight of children of all ages. For more information on this petting zoo please call 626-506-5026 or their e-mail: www.kidzzoo.net.

The celebration included a car show from New Century BMW, carnival rides and games, flowers and plants, gifts, music, books, movies, clothing, information booths, live entertainment and more.

Miss Taiwan World Foundation presented a fashion show that featured Miss Taiwan World Queen Olivia Yang, Miss Taiwanese International Queen Christine Nastasiu,

Miss Taiwanese International Queen Claribel Wu, Miss Teen Taiwanese Global Queen Ella Xiang, Mrs. Taiwan Queen Nicole Yang, Miss Jr. Taiwan World Queen Verena Wong, Miss Jr. Taiwan World Queen Shania Wong, Miss Jr. Taiwan Queen Celine Tsai, Mr. Taiwan World King Ian Liu, Mr. Jr. Taiwan World King Kevin Tsai and Miss Taiwan Pageant Finalist Jocelyn Liu.

The international food booths offered delicious delights for every taste.

Many families and their friends visited the Lunar New Year Festival in Monterey Park to welcome in the Year of the Goat.