Lucy Lu performs the ribbon dance. Credit: Kimberly DeFalco

Lucy Lu performs the ribbon dance. Credit: Kimberly DeFalco

Lucy Lu performs the Chinese drama “Song of Pear Blossoms,” Credit: Kimberly DeFalco

Accompanied by parents Gena and Anthony and twirling a pint-sized red parasol, 3-year-old Nicole Pitti
stood mesmerized by the sights of dancing pandas, elongated dragons and an endless sea of red. She was among hundreds of Bay area children and their families — including a U.S. Congressional candidate — who gathered in Largo’s Central Park on Saturday to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

  • Nicole Pitti, 3, joined adoptive parents Gena and Anthony at Saturday's Chinese New Year Celebration.

Also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival of China, the 15-day celebration is defined by the first new moon of the calendar year, which began Friday.

Chinese communities around the world, including Tampa Bay, welcomed The Year of the Horse while bidding adieu to the Year of the Dragon.

Sponsored by the Suncoast Chinese American Association (SACA) and the City of Largo, the festival occupied Largo Central Park for the second consecutive year, surpassing 2013 attendance records by several hundred.

Chinese-Americans (including Alex Sink) join a celebration of the Year of the Horse in Largo Credit: Kimberly DeFalco

In the past, the festival of 30-plus years has been held in various towns around the Bay area, mostly indoors at locations including Tampa’s Blake High School and Clearwater High School.

“It made perfect sense to provide some stability for our community and to build on a foundation,” Duann said. “It can only get better and better.”

Highlights of the day-long festival included continuous dance and song from area Chinese schools and the official naming of SACA’s puffy panda mascot. “LeLe” was chosen from entries and voters.

An appearance by Alex Sink brought cheers from the crowd.

  • Alex Sink spoke to the crowd of her Chinese heritage and relatives, including one of the original Siamese twins, Chang and Eng Barker.

Florida's former Chief Financial Officer is the Democratic candidate in the special election to fill the vacancy created by the 2013 death of U.S. Representative Bill Young.

Addressing the crowd, she spoke of her Chinese heritage and of her great-granddad, Chang Barker, one half of the original Siamese twins.

The identical brothers, Chang and Eng Bunker, spent their 63 years attached at the base of their chests by a 5-inch-long band of flesh. They traveled the world as curiosities before finally settling as gentlemen farmers in the foothills of North Carolina.

With Saturday’s temperatures peaking at 78 degrees, revelers basked in the welcome relief following days of chilling weather.

“We couldn’t have asked for better conditions,” Duann said. “Luck was on our side.”

  • It's all about balance … panda tai chi.

  • Members of the Clearwater Chinese Language School performed the "Iron Fan Dance."

  • Steve Sritrairasri, along with Lancy Yu-Litton and Enya Gilday, performed the skit "Wild Sumo" to the song "Kung Fu Fighting."

  • With outdoor temperatures peaking at 78 degrees, the just-named panda "LeLe" adjusts the 20-plus pound head to get some fresh air.

  • Members of the Great Wall Chinese School performed "Blooming Flowers."

  • Members of the Better & Beyond Dance Club perform a folk ribbon dance to "Wish a Prosperous New Year to You."

  • A-Meetin' and Greetin': Alex Sink mingles with the crowd at Saturday's Chinese New Year celebration.

  • Samantha Bradley, 4, in her best princess dress, joined sister Kaitlyn, 9, and mom Ruth for Saturday's New Year celebration.

  • Tampa's Jackie Collier is the reigning Miss Taiwan of 2013 Asia Fest.

  • Pinellas Parks' Panda Bear Express associates, still smiling after nine hours.

  • Baby feet.

  • Panda feet – size 16.

This article appears in Jan 30 – Feb 5, 2014.