In San Francisco’s Chinatown, the yearly flower market street fair began on Saturday. Residents, visitors, and almost 100 vendors congregated along Grant Avenue to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
“Seeing everything of Chinese culture is incredibly cool. San Francisco native Zachary Ho told CBS News Bay Area, “We were born over here, but it’s really cool to learn about it.”
Another local, Amber McCullough, remarked, “It’s so cool just to be out in Chinatown and be a part of this cultural fair,”
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and other municipal leaders joined in the joyous celebration to begin the Year of the Snake, and the festival began with a big procession on Saturday morning.
“For Chinese New Year, you get ready. We have a ton of delicious food, you prepare for the arrival of the year of the snake, and you purchase fruits, flowers, and candies. Additionally, the restaurants in Chinatown usually welcome visitors,” San Francisco Street Fair manager Wayne Chan told CBS News Bay Area.
This year’s street event has roughly 100 vendors, he said.
“It’s auspicious to bring in luck because these are the lucky bamboo for Lunar New Year,” said Cathy Pham, owner of Freedom Florals. “Very thrilling and revitalizing. I adore the celebrations and seeing everyone back outside taking part in the neighborhood activities.”
The first-ever pop-up ‘Art and Culture Zone’ along Grant Avenue is also open to visitors. You can put your wish on a note and hang it up on the flowering bridge, which also has two inflatable cats.
“We have panda structures that are around the street fair, great exhibit please come by,” Chan stated.
In order to guarantee that everyone may celebrate in safety, he further stated that security is always their top priority and that they are actively collaborating with San Francisco police.
“We welcome the tourists, the city needs it and we’re here to take care of all the tourists and the local people around,” Chan stated.
“It feels great to see everyone out and about,” San Francisco resident John McCullough said.
On Sunday, the market fair’s second day will run from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.