Kids and parents alike reveled in the colorful chaos of party poppers, silly string and sparklers that decorated the avenue while lion dancers made their way down to 60th Street in the parade.

The first year in the Chinese zodiac calendar is named after the rat. The last Year of the Rat was celebrated in 2008.

Kids danced around with sparklers in hand on 8th Avenue.

As spectators wait for the parade to kick off, they have a few impromptu silly string battles over police barricades.

A little girl laughs as she sprays a relative with silly string.

The crowd packed together tightly to watch the firecracker display and balloon drop.

Hundreds of balloons were dropped onto the crowd on 8th Avenue before the parade kicked off.

The parade marched from 50th Street and 8th Avenue down to 60th Street.

A child revels in the aftermath of a party popper.

Traditional lion dancers were at the head of the parade.

A little boy films himself as he sprays a police car with silly string.

The celebration turned 8th Avenue into a colorful mess.

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