SURROUNDED by sponsors, community representatives and various media, Hurstville Council launched its 13th Lunar New Year Festival last Monday.
The biggest such event outside George Street, Sydney, the festival will be celebrated on Saturday, January 30, along Forest Road.
It will be the Year of the Monkey, the ninth sign in Chinese astrology, associated with ambition, activity, smartness, mischief and adventure — depending, of course, on your personal sign.
Hurstville mayor Vince Badalati spoke about the cultural richness of the St George region, home to people from around the world.
He said the festival was a celebration of diversity.
"From 2000 people at the first festival we now get more than 40,000 people," Cr Badalati said.
"The 2016 Lunar New Year Festival is a fantastic celebration of our community and I encourage local residents, businesses and people across Sydney to get involved.
"The Lunar New Year Festival showcases the very best of our city and its success is a testament to the support of our generous sponsors and local businesses."
The festival will be jam-packed with entertainment, including food and market stalls, traditional lion and dragon dances and live performances by community groups.
One of the highlights will be the Australian International Children and Women United Association, which will present a special traditional Chinese dance performance about the beauty of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac.
Festivalgoers will be able to enter a lucky draw competition that includes a return economy airfare for two adults from Sydney to Guangzhou in China.
The Hurstville Kids' Corner will return to the Palm Court car park and there will also be exhibitions at Hurstville Museum and Gallery.
