Chinese New Year with LA Craft Experience

Shop handmade goods at the big Chinatown festival.

Over 100,000 people are expected at the 2011 Golden Dragon Parade and Festival, which is happening over the Feb. 5-6 weekend (the parade itself is on Saturday, Feb. 5). And while the parade is the majestic, much-photographed, float-laden centerpiece of the weekend, there will be several happenings near the main thoroughfare of Broadway.

Like the LA Craft Experience, which will be setting up shop at Chinatown's Central Plaza. The "Craft" part of the name indicates there will be dozens of vendors selling jewelry and tees and baubles that were made, with care and creativity, by a local artisan.

And, as with past LA Craft Experience events, there will be food trucks. Munchie Machine, Patty Wagon LA, and Mac & Roll are all on the current roster.

The West Plaza, we should note, will have a Ping Pong tourney going, as well as kidly to-dos like face-painting.

In short, be sure to get an excellent spot for the parade, but save some time to wander the craft booths and take in the adjacent activities, which promise to be plentiful.

Of special note: This will be the 112th outing for the Golden Dragon Parade. The Year of the Rabbit kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 3. Details on both Feb. 3, and the big weekend following.

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