New York Chinese Chorus Sings at Lunar Year Festival at Queens Botanical Garden

It’s the first — and many say the best — after-party of the year. On February 8th, the 18th annual Flushing Lunar New Year Parade will kick off at Union Street and 37th Avenue at about 10 am. Roughly 4,000 participants, including dragon dancers, steel drummers, prancing unicorns and plenty of fireworks lovers, will march up Main Street to 39th Avenue to welcome the Year of the Horse. After the outdoor fun, the festive mood will head to the Queens Botanical Garden, where a three-hour celebration will begin with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at 1 pm. Participants will mix their own herbal tea bags, and youngsters will create peat pot horses at an activity table. At 2 pm, the New York Chinese Chorus (above), accompanied by musicians with traditional Chinese instruments, will give its first of two 45-minute performances.

Details: Lunar New Year Celebration, Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street, Flushing, February 8^th, 1 pm, Free, but fees apply for certain activities (first come, first served and supplies are limited; seating for performances is limited too).

Top photo: QBG; bottom photo: QEDC