Chinese New Year Parade

I've always ditched the Chinese New Year parade because of the crowd and firecrackers. But this year was different. We had a song (Gai Mou Sou Rap) and a symbol (gai mou sou!) Even without a sponsor and a float, the Grant Avenue Follies, ages 66 to 86, decided to WALK it. With Steven Lee, owner-manager of Lion's Den, at the wheel, the three most senior Follies got a ride in his Mercedes along the way. I spiffed up my rapper's outfit with something borrowed (Cynthia's diamond-studded cap) and something old (found the shimmering wrap inside the Showgirl Magic Museum). Cynthia flaunted her red plume headdress and cape, and TsaTsa did his tiger dance to the music of We're One. With Max Leong on his motorcycle guiding us, we were all able to complete the route to the cheers of bystanders. What an exhilarating experience that was. Photos by Ed Jay, Herm Pugay, Frank Jang, Pat Nishimoto and friends. Big thanks to our volunteers Blandina Farley, Bobbi Evans, Allen Ogi, Ralph Pinkerton, Howard Luke and Mark Wong!