Monterey Park Mayor Anthony Wong, Mayor Pro Tem Hans Liang, Councilmembers Peter Chan, Mitch Ing and Teresa Real Sebastian, City Clerk Vince Chang, the Grand Marshals: the 2014 Mark Keppel High School Academic Team:  Coach Tin Tran and students from Team A: Chaney Tse, Annette Cai, Jourdyn Lao, Patrick Chea, Eric Lin, Lisa Fong, Joshua Bustamante, Lin Tian, Issac Vazquez and Justin Ho. Students from Team B: Christina Tran, Stephen Yaun, Gary Huang, Chanel Tse, Michelle Lai, Gary Zhou, Jeffrey Wong, Kelly Du, Derick Wong and Iris Huang, Honorary Grand Marshal: Rita Miller, Deputy Director Peter Chou , Director Angel Lui, Miss Monterey Park Princesses: Jessica Ramos, Sherene Chou and Desiree Tiet, Garvey School Boardmember Henry Lo, Art and Essay Judges: Janet Yu, Paul Perez and Phil Smith with winners: Amanda Ng, Arion Togelang, Emily Truong, Lilly Huang, Matthew Louie, Henry Mendez, Terry Valenzuela and Chris Leong all joined together to celebrate Monterey Park’s 98th birthday.

The city had a four-day party (May 15 to May 18) with a parade on Garvey Avenue and a carnival held in Barnes Park.  Vince Chang was the Master of Ceremonies. He welcomed everyone to this special event.  He introduced the Council and the guests of honor.

Anthony Wong, Peter Chan, Hans Liang, Mitch Ing, Teresa Real Sebastian and Vince Chang welcome the residents and their guests to the parade.

Mayor Wong wished Monterey Park a Happy 98th Birthday! He introduced the Grand Marshals from Mark Keppel, the Honorary Grand Marshal Rita Miller, Assemblymember Ed Chau, Community College Boardmember Mike Eng, School Boardmember Henry Lo and Chen Hung, a local artist. He thanked the 150 student and adults that participated in the Art and Essay Contest. Monterey Park should join together for the city’s birthday.

Mayor Pro Tem Liang said Monterey Park is 98 years old. He thanked all of the volunteers, City Manager Paul Talbot, Dan Costly, Robert Aguirre and city staff. Happy Birthday Monterey Park!

Councilmember Peter Chan wished Monterey Park a Happy Birthday! He thanked the city staff, Mark Keppel students and Rita Miller for their participation. Have fun!

Councilmember Ing welcomed everyone to Monterey Park for our birthday celebration. He congratulated the Mark Keppel High School students for being #1 in Los Angeles County.

Councilmember Real Sebastian thanked everyone for coming today. She loves birthdays. Today we celebrate the birthday of Monterey Park. She is walking in the parade and invited everyone to join with her. Enjoy the day!

Mr. Chou joined in the celebration with the Council and Princesses. He wished a Happy 98th Birthday to Monterey Park! He invited everyone to visit Taiwan. We will exchange our close friendship.

Henry Lo said it is a wonderful day for a parade. Our city is 98 years old. He presented proclamations from Assemblymember Ed Chau.

Janet Yu, Paul Perez and Phil Smith thanked all of the students and adults who participated in the Art and Essay Contest. The winners: Amanda Ng, Arion Togelang, Emily Truong, Lilly Huang, Matthew Louie, Henry Mendez, Terry Valenzuela and Chris Leong will be awarded at a Council Meeting on May 20.

Members of the Monterey Park Police Explorers proudly carried the colors at the beginning of the Play Days Parade on Garvey Avenue.

Chinese Lion and Dragon Dancers joined in the fun.

Members of the San Gabriel High School Band marched with pride.

Assemblymember Ed Chau wished the crowd a Happy Birthday!

Members of the Monterey Park Sport Clubs were excited to walk in the parade.

Councilmember Peter Chan and his wife, Jenny Chan enjoyed the ride.

Councilmember Hans Liang with his wife, Lani Liang were joined with School Boardmember Henry Lo as they strolled down the way.

Councilmember Mitch Ing and his daughter, Chantal Ing enjoyed the excitement.

Members of the Mark Keppel High School Band enjoyed performing for their fellow students.

The Grand Marshals from Mark Keppel High School walked to their beat down the streets.

Councilmember Teresa Real Sebastian with her husband, Armen Sebastian and several friends enjoyed the parade.

Dora Leung rode in style.

Students from Meher Montessori School added their colorful hats to the celebration.

Honorary Grand Marshal Rita Miller waved to the crowd.

Lion Dancers brought luck to the city’s birthday party.

City Clerk Vince Chang rode his trusty bike down the road.

The famous Wells Fargo Stage Coach with Stephen Lam and Maggie Lam rode down the streets the old fashion way.

Members of the American Legion Post 397 proudly carried our colors and the POW/MIA flag to remind people that freedom is not free.

Little Sippo, the Clown Princess is along standing member of our parade.

Members of the LAMP Optimist Club joined the celebration.

The parade included more bands from several schools, Miss Monterey Park and her court, the Chamber of Commerce, the fire department, Mayor Anthony Wong, Supervisor Gloria Molina, Senator Ed Hernandez, Supervisor candidate Hilda Solis, School Boardmember Mike Eng, Miss Tawaiian Queen, members of the Boys & Girls Club, a float from Project NEO and much more.

The parade participants enjoyed the carnival rides and good food as they waited for the final event, the awards ceremony.

Councilmembers Anthony Wong, Peter Chan and Teresa Real Sebastian and Cindy Lee led the song Happy Birthday with the crowd. They welcomed them to the city’s birthday.

The winners were announced and award were presented to several school bands and groups that included Saint Eugene School, Monterey Park Police Explorers, Little Sippo, Meher Montessori School, the Monterey Park Sports Club (they were not at the ceremony) won the Mayors Award, San Gabriel High School, Mark Keppel High School and Dana Middle School won the Drill Team Award and Musical Award.

Play Days is always a very special celebration in Monterey Park.