To celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival, thousands of Chicagoans braved through the snow and came to Chinatown to participate in the parade to greet the year of rabbit.

The parade was sponsored by Chicago Chinatown Special Event Advisory Council/Committee. Although Chicago was just hit by a blizzard with lots of snow on both sides of the street, people were very excited and happy to be part of the new year celebration. Dressing in colorful festival clothes, spectators were waiting for the start of the parade in a joyful atmosphere.

A total of 46 organizations attended the parade that started at the Wentworth street. At the beginning, many colorful flags were flying on the float from Chicago Chinese Consulate. Two Miss friendship ambassadors at the float for Chinatown Chamber of Commerce were waving hands to the crowd gracefully. Many children from James Ward Schools had a lot of fun being part of the parade.

The highlights of the parade are the marching group with several candidates for Chicago mayor. Several high schools marching bands also brought lots of joy to the event. The Chinese traditional dragon dancing and lion dancing were performed at the end and received huge applauses from the cheering crowd.

Yang Guoqiang, Consul General of People' s Republic of China, wished all Chinese in Midwest region a very happy new year. Gene Lee, deputy chief of staff at Chicago Mayor' s office also joined the event and hosted the ceremony.

The annual Chicago Chinatown New Year Parade has become a popular tradition for many years. It was welcomed by local Chinese and people of various ethnic backgrounds.