The Year of the Rabbit Celebrations in Flushing, Queens

Happy Lunar New Year!

The Chinese/Lunar New Year is tomorrow (Feb. 3) and I figured that the least I could do was write a shout-out entry in honor of my ancestors! I also thought it'd be nice to shine some light on Flushing, Queens, one of the largest Chinese and East Asian populations in New York City.

My fellow Asians and non-Asians alike, 2011 is supposed to be a lucky one. Here's how we celebrate!

To ring in the Year of the Rabbit, the Flushing, Queens community will host the 15th Annual Lunar New Year Parade on Saturday, February 12th, 2011. The parade will begin at 11:00 AM at Union Street and 39th Avenue and end around 1:00 PM at Main Street and 39th Avenue. About 4,000 people will march the streets of Flushing and take in the sights of red lanterns, paper dragons, fireworks, and lion dances. More importantly, I'm sure there will be tons of food!

There will also be a Lunar New Year parade in Chinatown (Manhattan, NY) the weekend prior on Sunday, February 6th. Some think that this event normally outshines the Queens parade with its grandiose decorations, community organization sponsors, and martial artist performances. However, it is usually very loud, crowded and packed with tourists who are in the midst of finding their way through Chinatown and its neighbor, Little Italy.

If you'd like to celebrate the year of the "lucky bunny" without these nuisances, take a quick trip on the 7 subway line to the last stop - Main Street - Flushing. Half of the subway ride is above ground, allowing you to see some great views of Queens and even Manhattan (but from the other side than you're used to!). Better yet, if you're hungry, you can grab some dim sum, or Chinese brunch delicacies right in the neighborhood.

Here are couple of links to dim sum places in Flushing, Queens:

Jade Asian Restaurant

Ocean Jewel Seafood Restaurant

I'll make sure to post a more elaborate dim sum entry soon (with pictures)!

For now, Gung Hay Fat Choy!