While the average Angeleno may be more familiar with a different New Year's parade celebrating an entirely different New Year, the Chinese version is no shabby affair. The 111th annual Golden Dragon Parade and Festival was held in Chinatown this past Saturday, a splendid procession featuring ferocious pantomime tigers, smoke-puffing magic dragons, urban Tai Chi masters, freelance contortionists, martial arts enthusiasts of all stripes, a maybe-maybe-not-Scientologist sheriff (Lee Baca), and at least one lonely jobs-slashin' mayor (you-know-who). Firecrackers blasted, the air flowed heavy with smoke and confetti, passing strangers threw wild karate chops at each other, and everyone had a decidedly good time.
