Northwest Asian Weekly hosted the annual Children’s Parade Contest, featuring dozens of children in festive costumes — from the traditional Korean dress Hanbok to handmade horse costumes. Calligraphy, face painting booths, and other delights surrounded the park and the neighborhood. The whole Chinatown-International District was transformed into a giant, remarkable Lunar New Year festival.
Photos by George Liu and Annisa Amalia/NWAW
Michael Hellman stands in line for the Children’s Parade as Hing Hay Park came alive last Saturday with decorations, dancing, costumes, and family fun. Although the brief rain drew some people to the nearest shelters, it did nothing to diminish the spirit of the Lunar New Year celebration. (Photo by Annisa Amalia)
The crowd watched Master David Leong with his Lion Dance team.
Lion dancers performed for Lunar New Year celebrants
Nathan and Michael Hellman join the others in line for the parade.
Children wait in line to begin the costume parade.
Siblings Chaloe, Daren, Jason, Chiyat and Chio Leung paint the stage red, black and gold.
Revealing the kids under the horse costume: Xavier, Jayden and Jessi.
Host introducing children in festive costumes. (left to right) Kaylee To, Isabel Man, Joziah “Zai Zai”, brothers Michael and Nathan Hellman.
Families celebrating the Year of the Horse
Honorable Mention winners holding their prizes
Participants posing with their Hello Panda treats
Brothers Evan and Logan Kim charming the crowd on stage in matching costumes
Logan Kim playing with stuffed panda amidst the celebration
Junelyn awarded after winning 3rd place
Tanya Woo was the Master of Ceremonies
Co-emcees Tanya Woo, right, and John Liu, right, with sponsors and winners.
Judy Lui presents the award to the second-place winner
Sponsors and judges.
Panda Express volunteers.
Siblings Knox and Charlotte Own, and Richel Deng posing on stage.
Siblings Drake and Ruby Pallaza all smiles on stage
A small panda hugs the Panda Express mascot.
Children trying to get a better view of the celebration
(left to right) Kaylin and Teagan Nguyen in ethnic costumes