A very large rooster was located on Garvey and Garfield Avenues in Monterey Park to celebrate the Lunar New Year on January 28th and 29th. The World Journal, the City of Monterey Park and Monterey Park’s BIDAC Commission sponsored this celebration.

Disneyland had a booth for families to share their celebration with some of their famous stars. Some guests had the their faces painted in honor of the day.

Over 260 vendors lined the Center of Garvey Avenue from Alhambra Avenue to McPherrin Avenue offering international foods, drinks, games of chance, information, gifts, books, music, artwork, flowers, toys and more for sale.

Johnny Thompson welcomed the guests to Monterey Park’s celebration.

Vice Mayor Teresa Real Sebastian was the Mistress of Ceremonies. She also welcomed everyone to our 25th Lunar Festival. She introduced Councilmembers Stephen Lam, Hans Liang and Peter Chan, City Clerk Vince Chang and City Treasurer Joseph Leon. She said the Mayor Mitch Ing sends his best. He was not available to join us today.

Vice Mayor Real Sebastian led our Flag Salute at the start of the celebration.

Peter C K Sun sang our National Anthem to the delight of the crowd.

Vice Mayor Real Sebastian thanked the World Journal and BIDAC for their support. The Lunar New Year means new beginnings and new hope. This is the Year of the Rooster. We celebrate the Lunar New Year as part of our fabric of our city that is woven with many cultures.  We celebrate everyone’s cultures. We educate each other about our cultures and realize that we are more alike. She thanked everyone for attending. It is estimated that more than 250,000 will enjoy this two-day party.

James Guo from the World Journal thanked the elected officials for their attendance. He also thanked the City of Monterey Park and Johnny Thompson for their assistance at the celebration. He welcomed all of the guests to this Lunar New Year celebration in English and Chinese. He joked that we had to move the celebration back a week because of the storms. Now we have sunshine. He wished everyone a Happy New Year!

Janet Chin, a representative for Senator Ed Hernandez, was joined by her son, Kevin, who presented two prints in honor of the Year of the Rooster. She wished everyone family blessings and prosperity!

A representative for Senator Josh Newman’ s office wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year!

Assemblymember Ed Chau said he was happy to be here from the 49th Assembly District to celebrate the 25th year of the celebration. He thanked the City of Monterey Park, BIDAC and the World Journal. He also thanked all of the sponsors for their support. This is the time to spend with family and friends.

He presented proclamations to the City, the World Journal and the BIDAC Committee.

Lawrence Shih, a representative for Supervisor Hilda Solis wished everyone a very Happy New Year!

Councilmember Stephen Lam welcomed everyone to this lunar event in English and Chinese. He called this event the largest in Los Angeles County. He thanked the World Journal, BIDAC and the city staff for this event. Enjoy the food and the culture. Our city is 67% Asian. We celebrate everyone’s cultural events.

Congressmember Judy Chu wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year! The BIDAC planned the New Year celebration for our city. The Lunar New Year event is an important holiday in the Asian culture. It is a time to celebrate. Have a Happy and Prosperity New Year! She thanked the city, BIDAC and the World Journal with proclamations.

Councilmember Hans Liang said this is the 25th year that the city has celebrated the Lunar New Year. It is the 6th year that the World Journal has sponsored the event. He thanked BIDAC and the World Journal for their support. He wished every one a Happy Lunar New Year!

Councilmember Peter Chan thanked the city staff, fire and police departments, BIDAC and World Journal for this event. The Lunar New Year gives you hope. The New Year pushes the reset button, hope. He wished the crowd Prosperity in the New Year!

Treasurer joseph Leon wished the audience a Happy New Year! It is a great time for family. He thanked his mother–in-law for his Chinese jacket. Have a great day!

Clerk Vince Chang said he loves Monterey Park. We live in the greatest nation. We enjoy the different cultures and good food. He thanked BIDAC and the World Journal.  He asked the residents to please vote in the March 7th elections. Happy New Year!

Vice Mayor Real Sebastian thanked the BIDAC Committee and her fellow Councilmembers. She also thanked all of the sponsors for their generosity.

The U S Post Office unveiled the Year of the Rooster stamp to the audience.

Mickey Mouse and his friend, Mickey Trujillo joined the party to the delight of children of all ages.

The Monterey Park’s elected officials were joined by James Guo and Johnny Thompson for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that marked the beginning of the Year of the Rooster celebration.

Two Golden Dragons danced in and around the stage before they passed through the crowd bring good luck to every one.

Vice Mayor Real Sebastian thanked everyone for attending the opening ceremonies. Enjoy!

People rang a 600-pound bell from Lan Jing three times as they wished for peace, health and money.

The Wishing Trees was filled with good wishes for the New Year.

Brave young children enjoyed bungee jumping and climbing up the rock wall.

The event also featured carnival rides, games and more.

Some of the entertainment included dancers and a band playing Chinese musical instruments to the enjoyment of the audience.

Balloon toys featuring Disney stars were created for the guests.

The Year of the Rooster brought thousands of families, friends, neighbors and visitors together to enjoy one of the many cultures in Monterey Park.