US city resumes Chinese parade

SAN FRANCISCO — The small city of Millbrae in Northern California, United States, wants to create an opportunity for its residents, especially Asian-Americans, to learn more about Chinese culture, according to its mayor, Wayne Lee.

Lee says that a parade and a market fair that were held in the city center provided a good opportunity for the community to get to know each other better and help the city’s Chinese heritage continue to thrive.

Thousands of Americans from local communities braved drizzling rain to watch the parade, which celebrated Lunar New Year.

“Despite the rain, a lot of people came, and we’re just so happy that people were able to get together, enjoy each other’s company and understand what Chinese culture is about,” he says, adding that it was the first time in seven years that Millbrae has held the parade.

Robert Gottschalk, a former mayor of the city, dressed up as a Chinese emperor in a yellow, dragon-decorated imperial robe and made an appearance at the market fair to greet visitors and vendors with a hearty which in Cantonese means “a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year”.

“There is a very large Chinese population living in Millbrae and this kind of event is really something we like to do to celebrate all other cultures,” Gottschalk explained.

“We wanted more people to participate, particularly in the parade,” Gottschalk added.

A Chinese-American vendor who had a booth at the market fair said he was excited to see the traditional celebration of Chinese culture return to the city after a period of hiatus.

“I want my kids to understand Chinese culture and tradition at events like this, because such performances let them personally experience what Chinese heritage is about,” he said.

Millbrae, located about 20 kilometers south of San Francisco, is a quiet city in San Mateo County in Northern California with an Asian population that accounts for around 43 percent of its residents, according to official statistics from 2010.