The dragon chased the pearl during Monterey Park’s Annual Lunar Celebration held on Garvey Avenue on January 28 and 29. BIDAC and the World Journal sponsored the two-day event.

Congresssmember Judy Chu presented proclamations to Mayor David Lau, Mayor Pro Tem Mitch Ing, Councilmembers Teresa Real Sebastian, Anthony Wong and Betty Tom Chu, City Clerk Dave Barron, BIDAC members Stephen Lam, Richard Kwock, Gene Jang, Johnny Thompson, David Wan and Ivan Ho and World Journal President James Kuo for sponsoring this special event.

Judy Chu wished everyone a Happy New Year!  She welcomed all to this Chinese New Year celebration. She thanked the BIDAC and the World Journal for this event. It is the Year of the Dragon so we want to do things on a grand scale.

Senator Bob Huff presented proclamations to World Journal President James Kuo and members of the BIDAC for sponsoring the Chinese New Year celebration.

He said America is strong because we are a nation of immigrants. He thanked everyone for their support of Monterey Park.

Assemblymember Mike Eng presented proclamations to the City Council, World Journal President James Kuo and members of the BIDAC for sponsoring the Chinese New Year celebration.

Mike Eng wished everyone a Happy New Year! Everyone is welcome in Monterey Park regardless of your language. We all came together to create more jobs in California than other states.

Qiao Li from Congressmember Adam Schiff’s office presented proclamations to Stephen Lam and James Kuo for sponsoring the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration.

She thanked them on behalf of Congressmember Schiff who was not able to attend this event.

Mayor Lau welcomed all to the annual Chinese New Year celebration, the Year of the Dragon. This event increases the awareness of the Chinese culture for the whole family to enjoy. He thanked the BIDAC, World Journal and the Parks and Recreation Department for this event. He wished everyone a Happy, Healthy, Safe and Prosperous New Year!

Mayor Pro Tem Ing wished everyone a Happy New Year! He welcomed all to the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration in Monterey Park. The Chinese culture spans over 5,000 years. We celebrate the Chinese culture in Monterey Park.

Councilmember Real Sebastian wished all a Happy New Year in the Year of the Dragon! The New Year is a special time to celebrate a chance for new opportunities, more laughter and new memories to share.

Councilmember Wong wished all a Happy New Year! This is the Year of the Dragon, who is the strongest animal. He wished good health and good luck to all of us! This is the time to get together with family and friends to celebrate.

Councilmember Tom Chu wished everyone a Happy New Year! She welcomed all to the celebration of the Chinese New Year. We are all here together on a happy occasion to celebrate the melting pot of the United States. She thanked all of the sponsors. She wore five dragons today that are part of her dragon collection she started in college. She thanked the Chinese community.

City Clerk Barron wished all a Happy New Year! He reminded all eligible voters to vote in the June and November elections.

James Kuo wished everyone a Happy New Year! He is proud that the World Journal can introduce the beauty of the Chinese culture. We make contributions to the cultures. Enjoy the event.

Mr. Lam introduced additional special guests that included Alhambra Councilmember Stephen Sham, Montebello School Boardmember Ed Chau, Garvey School Boardmember Janet Chin, Dr. Sophie Wong, City Manager Paul Talbot and former mayor Lily Lee Chen to the audience.

Bob Lockovich from the Post Office presented the Year of the Dragon stamp to the audience with assistance from Stephen Lam, Betty Tom Chu, Anthony Wong, David Lau, Mitch Ing and Teresa Real Sebastian.

The “forever” stamp is now on sale at your local Post Office.  The Monterey Park Post Office also is using a Year of the Dragon cancellation stamp for a limited time as part of the New Year celebration.

Colorful booths lines Garvey Avenue featuring holiday decorations, flowers and plants, gifts, statuary, sun glasses, music and movies, pets, clothing, knick knacks and more.

The food court offered a various array of delicious Asian foods that included a dish called “Stinky Tofu” that filled the air with a distinct aroma.

Folk dancers in colorful attire and a martial arts display were part of the featured entertainment for all members of the family to enjoy.

Children enjoyed the carnival rides and game booths included in the celebration.

The Monterey Park celebration was just one of the many Lunar events held in the San Gabriel Valley to welcome in the Year of the Dragon.

Happy Chinese New Year to you and yours!