The Dragon dancers delighted the audience during the Grand Opening of the Year of the Snake celebration held on Garvey Avenue in Monterey Park on February 2 and 3.

The event featured 220 booths that offered gifts, flowers, plants, bikes, clothing, Koi fish and more.

Covered dining areas with the international food booths were spread throughout the street fair.

There were carnival rides for the young children to enjoy.

The stage was filled with thirty or more special guests who participated in the event.

Mayor Mitch Ing welcomed all to the Lunar New Year Festival in Monterey Park to celebrate 500 years of the culture of China.

State Senator Ed Hernandez thanked the city for this special celebration. He presented a proclamation to Mayor Mitch Ing, Vice Mayor Teresa Real Sebastian, Councilmembers David Lau and Anthony Wong, City Clerk Dave Barron and City Treasure Joseph Leon.

Assemblymember Ed Chau wished everyone a Happy New Year. He presented a proclamation to the city, World Journal and BIDAC.

Vice Mayor Teresa Real Sebastian welcomed everyone to Monterey Park. Enjoy the festival. She wished the audience a Happy and Good Luck New Year.

Councilmember Anthony Wong wished everyone a Happy New Year. He thanked all for getting together to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

Councilmember David Lau wished all a Happy New Year. Today we celebrate the Chinese culture.

City Clerk Dave Barron said he was Chi-Mex with a Chinese heart and Mexican body. Twenty-five years ago this celebration was call the Flower Mart. He wished everyone a Happy New Year.

City Treasurer Joseph Leon wished all a Happy New Year. He thanks the residents and guests for being here today. He thanked the sponsors for this event.

BIDAC President Stephen Lam introduced the BIDAC members and thanks the sponsors.

Enrique Robles, a representative for Congressmember Judy Chu, thanked the city for having this special event on her behalf.

The United States Post Office unveiled the Year of the Snake stamp to the public.

Members of the Shaolin Temple Martial Arts Academy displayed their special talents for the audience. Each one of their actions was smooth and graceful.

Miss Taiwan World Fashion Show featured:  Friends of Miss Taiwan Grace Sun, Miss Teen Taiwanese US Queen Mandy Lai, Miss Taiwanese Queen Joye Lau, Miss Taiwanese World Queen Jessica Ho, Miss Golden State Queen Jessica Aguirre, Miss Taiwan International Queen Charlene Shi, Miss Jr Taiwan Queen Celine Tsai and Mr Jr World King Kevin Tsai.

Danny So performed several favorite Golden Oldies to the delight of the audience.

The two-day festival included folk songs and folk dances, Chinese cooking classes, Tai-Chi shows, puppet shows, and Lucky Draw games.

The Year of the Snake celebration, sponsored by the City of Monterey Park, BIDAC and the World Journal newspaper, was very successful as hundreds of residents and their guests enjoyed a taste of the Chinese culture.