January 14, 2006

Hundreds of dogs get their day during Lunar parade

When the 7th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival kicks off on Feb. 5 to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dog, several hundred dogs -- including as many as 100 adoptable ones from local shelters -- will join the parade decked out in traditional Chinese New Year-themed outfits.

The dog outfits are already for sale at Pearl of the Orient gift shop, located at 36 Mott Street near Bayard, map. You can also pick up Chinese-themed pet carriers made of silk and rayon from Peony Red, located at 217 Centre Street near Hester, map.

As for the parade, the dogs will be joined by traditional lion and dragon dances, floats, and marching bands. It starts at Mott and Canal streets at 1 p.m., heads down Bowery, and continues "through practically every street of Chinatown," according to event organizers.

Lunar New Year celebrations begin January 27 with the New Year Flower Market and festival in a heated tent at Columbus Park.

On January 29, the actual new year, there's a New Year's Day Firecracker Ceremony & Culture Festival beginning at noon at Mott & Bayard Streets.

The Museum of the Chinese in the Americas will hold Lunar New Year walking tours on January 21, 22, 28 and February 4 and 5, beginning at 1 p.m. each day.

For more information on Lunar New Year events, see the Museum of the Chinese in the Americas and ExploreChinatown.com.

January 14, 2006 04:40 PM in Downtown, Kids, Shopology, Sightsology, Tours

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