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Dancing lions, a camel and an omnibus will soon be on the loose in the streets of Cupertino. March 12, the city celebrates with its third annual Lunar New Year Unity Parade, which in part celebrates the Chinese New Year. This year the parade is also dedicated to Cupertino's 50th anniversary.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for a family-friendly celebration of our multicultural community," said Kris Wang, co-chairperson of the event, in a statement.
The free celebration begins with a 1.2-mile parade starting at Jollyman Park and goes along Stelling Road to Memorial Park. After the parade, there will be an international fair with cultural exhibits and food booths. "There will be at least 10 countries represented, from Chinese groups to Indian groups," said Gilbert Wong, a member of the planning committee.
In addition to the camel and members from the San Francisco Police Department's lion dancing team--lion dancers are symbolic of scaring away evil during the new year--the event also features marching bands from local schools, bagpipers and martial arts demonstrations. During the parade, the Cupertino National Bank also plans to hand out 200 packets of lucky money--believed to bring children good luck in the new year. The money will range from a penny to $100. Former mayors of Cupertino dating back to 1960 are also expected to attend.
"It's the perfect beginning to a very special year," said Cupertino Public Information Officer Rick Kitson.
The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. in Jollyman Park. Free parking is available all day at De Anza College. For complete details, visit www.unityparade.org.
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