FLUSHING — The Lunar New Year is off to a great start in Queens, with a parade, fireworks and weeks of family-friendly activities across the borough.
This is the year of the Ram, Goat or Sheep, depending on the translation, and it begins Feb. 19. The annual parade in Flushing is Feb. 21, and there are plenty of receptions and activities through March.
"Lunar New Year 2015 is an auspicious moment in our history," said John Choe, the executive director of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. "This year's parade is expected to be largest yet and now rivals the one in Manhattan."
Here's a guide to all of the festivities:
Flushing's Lunar New Year Parade
The borough's large parade to celebrate the Lunar New Year starts at 11 a.m. on Feb. 21 at Union Street and 37th Avenue in Flushing and travels to Main Street, according to organizers.
There will be a fireworks show at 1 p.m. after the parade outside Queens Crossing, 136-17 39th Ave. as well as an indoor celebration with Chinese and Korean dances and other performances that start at 2 p.m.
Arts, Crafts and Flowers After the Parade
The Queens Botanical Gardens, 43-50 Main St., is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration with craft activities for kids.
The event is on Feb. 21 right after the parade in Flushing, from 1-4 p.m.
Meet the Borough's Sheep
The Queens Zoo inside Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is celebrating with family-friendly activities including a scavenger hunt, a calligraphy exhibit and a performance by the local Chinese Theatre Works on Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, March 1 from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
There will also be a "meet and greet" with the different kinds of sheep at the zoo including a Jacob’s four-horned sheep, a white-coated Suffolk sheep, and miniature Southdown sheep.
Enjoy Dancing from Around the World
The historic Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., is hosting a free performance with dance performances from China, Taiwan, India, Mexico and the United States on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are free, and will be handed out at the box office at noon.
Elmhurst Celebrates the New Year
Elmhurst will celebrate the Lunar New Year on Saturday, Feb. 28 with fun activities for kids, including an arts and crafts workshop with help from the Queens Museum.
The event begins at 11 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 84-07 Broadway, and also includes traditional drumming and lion dancing. It is co-sponsored by Councilman Danny Dromm, the Queens Museum and the Asian Community United Society.
The lion dancers will then lead a parade from the church to C.C. Moore Homestead Park at the corner of 45th Avenue and Broadway in Elmhurst.
