Austin, Texas; January 12, 2009 -- The only way to celebrate Chinese New Year in Austin is at Austin’s first and only Chinatown Center! The annual celebration in North Austin carries on for two days showcasing Austin’s very own incredible talents and a grand time for the entire family.  The free public festival kicks off on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 11am and carries into the afternoon; the fun continues at Noon on Sunday, February 1st with the Texas Dragon and Lion Dance Team and Summit Dragon Dance celebrating with firecrackers at the Chinatown Center pagoda.
 
Kiwi the Clown is back by popular demand at the Kids Area, with a moon bounce and rock-climbing wall provided by Portable Adrenaline for kids of all ages.  Free Parking is available and is on a first-come, first-serve basis so carpooling is encouraged.  Admission to the festival and all performances are free but some activities in the kids area and vendor area this year will have their own fees so bringing cash is recommended.

Chinatown Center boasts over 180,000 square feet of retail space.  A true Asian experience with a wide range of authentic restaurants, stores and the largest Central Texas Asian supermarket, MT Supermarket.  All retail stores and nine unique restaurants in the Chinatown Center will be open all weekend during their normal business hours.  Chinatown Center is located at 10901 N.Lamar Blvd. at the intersection of Kramer and N.Lamar.

If you have not made your way to Chinatown Center yet, Chinese New Year’s is the best time to start.  This is the place to be, where the Austin community and Asian culture collide for the perfect affair of authentic entertainment, food, tradition and excitement.  There is simply no better way to celebrate The Year of the Ox, the second of the twelve-year Chinese zodiac cycle.

The full entertainment schedule can be found on Chinatown Center’s website at http://www.ChinatownAustin.com/events

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