Sunset Park

Chinese Lunar New Year Festival parades through Sunset Park

Borough President Eric Adams and Other Elected Officials Attend Parade

January 31, 2017 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams presents Brooklyn Chinese-American Association President Paul Mak (left) and Vice President Shiu Kam Leung with a proclamation. Eagle photos by Arthur De Gaeta
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Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, civic leaders and other elected officials attended the 30th annual Sunset Park Chinese Lunar New Year Festival on Sunday, which included a parade and speeches. The parade began at 11 a.m. at 5002 Eighth Ave. and ran for 10 blocks.

Adams welcomed attendees from a festive, balloon-laden stage. “On behalf of all Brooklynites, I salute the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association.”

Joining him onstage were Paul Mak, president of the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association (BCA), and Shiu Kam Leung, vice president.

Adams praised the BCA, which was founded in 1998 “with the primary mission of providing assistance to the growing Asian-American community.”

“This great community is growing and thriving and is an important asset to the Brooklyn population,” Adams said. He also thanked Mak and the parade organizers for their work in the community.

Adams’ comments were translated for the Chinese-speaking members of the audience.

City Councilmember Mark Treyger also took to the stage. “I’m Councilman Mark Treyger, but I like my Chinese name better — ‘Trey Maha.’” Treyger thanked his colleagues and spoke about how much he enjoys working with the BCA.

“We can now say that the Lunar New Year is an official holiday in New York, but we’re not just here celebrating the New Year,” Treyger said. “We are celebrating the many contributions of the Asian-American community to Brooklyn, to New York and to America.”

Mak invited children in attendance up to the stage to perform for the crowd before he and Shiu began the parade, which was led by the red banner of the BCA. They were followed by a giant Chinese dragon and community marchers.

During the event, Adams presented Mak with a proclamation and Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez presented Mak with a Certificate of Appreciation. Other elected officials at the event included U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez, state Sen. Simcha Felder, state Assemblymembers Peter Abbate and Felix Ortiz and Councilmember Carlos Menchaca.

Former New York City Comptroller John Liu spoke, and Comptroller Scott Stringer presented the BCA with the Comptroller’s Commendation Award, saying, “To the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association for all the great work you do. For the people of our community, I wish you many, many more happy New Years.”

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