Throngs of Parade Watchers Ring In Lunar New Year

Though the first day on the Chinese calendar officially began on Feb. 3, that didn't stop hundreds of Queens residents yesterday from celebrating the 'Year of the Rabbit' with music, food and of course, the traditional Lion Dance.

The parade route snaked down Flushing's Main Street, across 39th Avenue and up Union Street, with representatives from many quarters in the Queens community helping mark one of the most important Chinese holidays.

And in perhaps an auspicious sign for the year ahead, the weather Saturday afternoon was dry, partly sunny, with highs in the low 40s.