On November 10, the Flushing Chinese (Industrial and Commercial) Promotion Association announced that the New Year parade celebrating the Year of the Sheep in 2027 will take place on February 6, marking the first day of the Lunar New Year, which falls on a Saturday. Community organizations and groups are encouraged to register and participate in this festive event.
The parade organized by the Flushing Chinese Business Association has become a hallmark celebration of the Lunar New Year in New York City. This tradition, which began in 1996, has evolved over the past 30 years, growing larger each year. Spectators of all ages converge from various directions to witness this vibrant spectacle, with attendance exceeding 100,000 people annually. The streets along Main Street are filled with crowds, showcasing the popularity and significance of this celebration.
Peter Tu, chief advisor to the Flushing Chinese Business Association and chairman of the parade organizing committee, emphasized the grandeur of this community and cultural event. Elected officials at the federal, state, and city levels will participate, offering well-wishes to the Asian community. This event aims to unite everyone, highlight Asian traditions and culture, and demonstrate the thriving vitality of Flushing. Over 30 floats will feature in the parade, and legally registered organizations and entities are invited to apply for participation.
Numerous local officials from Queens and representatives from state and city offices attended the press conference. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz expressed her delight in seeing more young people stepping up as volunteers and participants in the parade over the years. She extended her gratitude to the Flushing Chinese Business Association for their efforts in organizing the parade, which effectively fosters community unity and enhances Flushing’s influence.
The parade route will remain unchanged from previous years, commencing in front of the 109th precinct and proceeding along Union Street, Sanford Avenue, and Main Street, concluding in front of the “Flushing Meadows” building.
Karam Chowdhury, the 109th precinct commander, provided details regarding road closures. Starting the night before the parade, parking along the parade route will be prohibited, with notices posted in advance. Road closures will begin at 10:15 am on the day of the event, and vehicles participating in the parade must arrive before 10 am. Buses that typically travel along Main Street will be rerouted, and roads are expected to reopen to traffic by 2 pm, with buses returning to their regular stops between 2 pm and 2:30 pm.
New York State Assemblyman Ron Kim mentioned that both he and City Council member Linda Lee are also born in the Year of the Sheep. He has participated in this parade since his time as an intern, marking approximately 25 years of involvement. He acknowledged the significant economic contributions that businesses in Flushing and the surrounding areas have made to New York City and New York State, positioning it as a vital economic engine. He eagerly anticipates the festive parade to kick off a new year in Flushing.
City Council member Sandra Ung expressed appreciation for the organization by the Flushing Chinese Business Association and the dedication of countless volunteers who ensure the smooth running of the parade year after year. Having grown up in Flushing, she shared her long-standing familiarity with the event, noting how it has become increasingly grand and spectacular with each passing year. Ung stated that Flushing represents a symbol of Asian unity in New York City, inviting everyone to consider spending the Lunar New Year watching the festive parade.
The parade’s overall commander, along with team leaders from various organizing committees, explained that there are different registration forms tailored for floats, vehicles, and marching groups. Both float teams and walking groups are welcome, but they must complete separate forms. Participation in the walking groups incurs no additional fees, whereas the rental cost for a float has remained at $3,500 over the past 30 years. Participating groups are permitted to display only the American flag.
Representatives at the press conference included State Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, City Council member Linda Lee, Evelyn Li, the constituent services director from Congresswoman Grace Meng’s office, chief staff from State Assemblyman John Liu’s office, and various participating groups such as the Queens Library, the Chinese-American Planning Council, the Asian Pacific Association, the Flushing YMCA, the Taiwanese Association, and the Korean Family Services Center.
Registration forms can be obtained at the Flushing Chinese Business Association office located at 40-48 Main St. #302 in Flushing, or by emailing fcba52@yahoo.com.