Where to Go Galloping for Year of the Horse

Thinking of ways to usher in the 2002 Year of the Horse? Here’s a list of events the Asian New Year:

Friday through Sunday: Chinatown in Los Angeles will host a three-day celebration that includes the annual Golden Dragon Parade and a car show. The parade begins at 2 p.m. with grand marshal Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn. The car show is Saturday and Sunday, noon-6 p.m. Carnival rides, games and craft booths are open all days. Highlights include musical acts, martial arts and Chinese acrobats. 727 N. Hill St. between Alpine and Ord streets. The festival is held Friday, 5 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. (213) 680-0243.

Saturday: The Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena will host a Chinese New Year festival from 1 to 4 p.m. This event features a lion dance performance, traditional folk dancing accompanied by live Chinese music and a palm reader. Children can make dough dolls, learn Chinese calligraphy and brush painting. (626) 449-2742.

Friday through Sunday: : The three-day Vietnamese Tet Festival at Garden Grove Park in Garden Grove is presented by the Union of Vietnamese Student Assn. The 2002 theme is “Legends of the Spring.” Activities are Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. Featured entertainment includes a Vietnamese Village, where live entertainment, food-tasting, games, and arts and craft demonstrations are showcased. The opening ceremony is Saturday and continues through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (714) 206-6151.

Saturday: The Tet Parade will be held on Bolsa Avenue between Magnolia and Bushard streets in Westminster. Opening ceremonies begin at 9:45 a.m. and include a dragon dancing performance. The hourlong parade rolls down the street at 10 a.m.

Through March 3: The Orange County Chinese Art Assn. is showcasing an art exhibition of images and representations of horses. The show is held at Tawa Community Gallery in the 99 Ranch Market shopping complex, 15333 Culver Drive, in Irvine. (949) 651-8899.