Richmond's Aberdeen Centre was filled with hundreds of community members to welcome the Year of the Dragon on Friday night.
The annual Lunar New Year countdown, organized by Fairchild Television, has been ongoing for more than two decades.
Visitors attending the event were at the Richmond mall as early as 8 p.m. to shop at the flower market, eat and search for a spot to watch the stage shows.
Performances such as lion and dragon dances, traditional and hip-hop group dances, as well as games with prizes took place throughout the night until the official countdown.
Chef Philip was also invited to the stage to cook up a crispy pork belly recipe in preparation for the new year.
Politicians, dignitaries and guests lined up on stage during the final minutes of the Year of the Rabbit for the countdown along with the Chinese God of Fortune, featuring Richmond city Coun. Bill McNulty, who handed out lucky red pockets and gave blessings to all visitors at Aberdeen Centre.
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