Sunday was the Lunar New Year for several Asian cultures, including the Vietnamese. The Vietnamese New Year celebration, Tết, began Saturday morning in a parking lot on the corner of Stockton Boulevard and Fowler Avenue. It started with the City of Sacramento's ribbon cutting ceremony for Little Saigon. This was followed by a New Year parade proceeding south down Stockton Boulevard to Florin Road, where participants viewed the County of Sacramento's ribbon cutting ceremony and participated in the Tết Festival. The following is a photo journal of the weekend's events and festivities. For more photographs and information, please read this article on the festival and celebration.


Councilman Kevin McCarty, who was instrumental in the creation of Little Saigon, talks to the crowd. Foreground: Vietnam War Veterans wearing maroon Berets.


State Assemblyman Dave Jones supports Little Saigon, congratulates the crowd of nearly 300 people.


Dancers dressed in traditional Vietnamese clothing.


Councilmen Rob Fong and McCarty, State Assemblyman Dave Jones, State Senator Darrell Steinberg and SMUD Board Director Nancy Bui all help cut a ribbon in celebration of a 1.5-mile stretch of Stockton Boulevard being named Little Saigon. White doves (left, bottom) are released into the air simultaneously.



Lion Dancers entertain onlookers and lead the parade down Stockton Boulevard.


A CHP Officer makes sure traffic is blocked along Stockton Boulevard as the parade marches toward Florin Road.


Bright balloons and a large Little Saigon sign are carried by Little Saigon committee members and women in Vietnamese dresses.


County Supervisor Jimmie Yee speaks to a crowd at the County of Sacramento ribbon cutting ceremony for Little Saigon.


Kim Quang Lion Dance Troupe performs at the Tết Festival in front of hundreds. Deafening firecrackers and drums accompany the performance.



Food vendors are a big part of the Tết Festival.


Food included bún (rice noodle), bánh mì (sandwich), phở (soup), papaya salad, egg rolls (pictured) and skewers.


A carnival area included rides, midway games and a large slide.