The Year of the Horse is off to the races as the long running L.A. Chinatown Firecracker celebration returns to Chinatown on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 28-March 1.
“It’s just such a fun and wonderful way to celebrate the Lunar New Year. For people who aren’t participating in the races and just want to come out and watch it’s just a high-energy event and there are so many fun things to do,” said Jennifer Gee, a board member of L.A. Chinatown Firecracker.
Thousands are expected to attend the 48th annual event to celebrate the Lunar New Year at one of the largest and oldest running races in the U.S.
It’s going to be a busy weekend so here’s what you can expect during the L.A. Chinatown Firecracker races, which are taking place at Los the Angeles Chinatown Central Plaza.
Opening ceremonies
Get there around 7 a.m. or so because that’s when the opening ceremonies start each day. They include lion dancers and the traditional lighting of 100,000 firecrackers. So yeah, it’s going to go off with a bang.
The Festival
A free festival is on hand both days that will include exhibitors, a beer garden, vendors, activities for children and live entertainment. On Saturday people can attend the annual Lantern Paw Festival at Blossom Plaza from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. This is a dog-centered Lunar New Year Celebration. And then on Sunday the festival will include the Kiddie Fun Zone with carnival games, pony rides, arts and crafts activities, rock climbing, a puppet show and more.
Off to the Races
It’s the Year of the Horse, which is associated with adventure, prosperity and decisive action. Horses are also fast, so this year’s races would be pretty competitive. The races start Saturday with 50-mile and 20-mile bike rides. And there’s also the slower but more adorable PAW’er Dog Walk. Sunday is the big day with the 5K run/walk, the 10K run/walk and instead of puppies it’ll be the 1K Kidde Run happening on the final day.
The Firecracker Run
When: Starts at 7 a.m. Feb. 28-March 1
Where: Los Angeles Chinatown Central Plaza
943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Information: runsignup.com/Race/CA/LosAngeles/LAChinatownFirecracker