Generally Speaking: Area fireworks ignite the Year of the Dog!
Over 50,000 firecrackers were detonated in rapid fire in front of the outdoor stage strung across Eighth Avenue at 50th Street in Sunset Park. It was all part of the 31st annual Chinese Lunar New Year’s Parade and commemoration, on Sunday, February 18. The festivities also included the release of hundreds of predominantly red and yellow balloons.
Prior to the start of the parade, groups from local public schools, pre-Ks and nursery schools affiliated with the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association performed on the stage. Then the celebrants assembled and marched along Eighth Avenue to 60th Street.
Among the elected officials bringing their greetings was United States Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer. Association President and parade founder Paul Mak introduced the Brooklyn senator as next year’s new “Senate Majority Leader.”