Welcoming in the Year of the Dog

So you've been whinging all of last year about that damn year of the rooster business screwing up your life. You've had enough. So just before you go all barking mad, you should be aware that this Sunday is the Chinese lunar calendar New Year (yes, I see you coyly wagging your bum towards me). And not only are we entering Year of the Dog, but we're entering the Year of the Red Fire Dog! Oh boy, I think we've got a winner here, ladies and gentlemen.

Anyhow, Chinese New Year you should know is when the dragons parade through Chinatown. Despite the proximity to East Hastings, I'm not implying anything to do with "chasing the dragon" (look it up if ya want). Nope, this is a fun event for the whole family. The Chinese New Year Parade kicks off around noon, and there'll be bright gaudy colors, dragons who didn't crawl out of Lord of the Rings, dancers in costumes, and hopefully some gymnasts. Seriously, you ever see Chinese gymnasts? They pull off some woo-crazy moves. All are welcome. Hell, i'm one of the biggest bananas around as far as Chinese guys go, so if I can make an appearance, surely you can too. Hell, we can even grab a bite afterwards, and like use chopsticks!