Contact: Colleen Roche/Jennifer Chait (212) 788-2958
"Each year, New Yorkers look forward to joining their neighbors in celebrating the Lunar New Year," Mayor Giuliani said. "This year, we mark the beginning of the year 4697, the Year of the Rabbit which traditionally brings news of peace. Throughout the City, New Yorkers celebrate with parades, traditional lion dances, banquets and cultural presentations. And tonight, we continue this wonderful tradition of rich culture and heritage.
"The Lunar New Year is a time for families to get together and for communities to come together. I want to wish you all a very happy, healthy and safe New Year," the Mayor concluded.
This year's Lunar New Year festivities were marked by a safe, professionally controlled pyrotechnic display that was the result of a joint effort between the City, State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and the Chinese Community. The fireworks, along with dragon dances, took place earlier today at Columbus Park, located between Baxter and Mulberry Streets from noon to 4:00 pm. This year's display consisted of approximately 192 pre-loaded red confetti effects that explode into a showering display and 192 sound flashes that accompanied the exhibition of color.
Tonight's event at Gracie Mansion included music by the YWCA Evergreen Choir and a traditional lion dance performance by the Praying Mantis Martial Art Institute. The evening was sponsored by Howard Li, Chairman and CEO of Waitex International Co. Ltd and Prime Time International Inc. Other sponsors who donated gifts were: Asia Society (colorful bags and literature); Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York (beverages); Hong Kong Tourist Association (Lunar New Year calendars); Manhattan Florist, Inc. (flowers); MetLife (Lunar New Year calendars); Pearl Paint Co. (pencils); Po Wing Hong Food Market Inc. (chocolate candy and mandarin oranges) and Republic National Bank of New York (red envelopes).