Richmond District Celebrates Lunar New Year with Community Parade and Festivities

Cliff Yee Announced as Grand Marshal for 2025 Parade

San Francisco’s Richmond District is gearing up for a spectacular celebration of the Lunar New Year on Jan. 18, and the community is invited to join in the fun!

This year’s event will feature a lively Lunar Bazaar and a vibrant Lunar New Year Parade, which will be led by Cliff Yee, a beloved community leader, as the Grand Marshal.

The festivities will be held on Balboa Street and will begin with the Lunar Bazaar from 3:30 p.m., where local vendors, family-friendly activities, and special offers from neighborhood businesses will bring excitement to the streets. Attendees can enjoy food, crafts, and entertainment before lining up for the parade.

At 5 p.m., we will have some dignitaries speak at the main stage and at 5:30 p.m., the Lunar New Year Parade kicks off, bringing together cultural performers, decorated floats and community groups marching through 39th to 35th avenues. Each block of the parade route on Balboa Street will feature unique themed decorations to honor various aspects of the Lunar New Year:

● 35th-36th Ave.: Family Nest (家庭幸福) – Celebrating family, togetherness, and harmony in the home.

● 36th-37th Ave.: Health Harbor (康泰如意) – Dedicated to well-being and good health with symbols of longevity and vitality.

● 37th-38th Ave.: Love Square (情满街心) – Showcasing love, friendship, and compassion with heartwarming displays.

● 38th-39th Ave.: Wealth Gateway (富贵吉祥) – Bringing wishes for prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead.

Cliff Yee has been named the Grand Marshal for the 2025 parade, and the community couldn’t think of a more fitting leader. Cliff, who was born and raised in the Richmond District, has over 20 years of experience in leadership development, community organizing and nonprofit management. His work as the board president of The Richmond Neighborhood Center has been instrumental in supporting youth, families, and seniors in the neighborhood. Additionally, Cliff’s leadership roles with the San Francisco Parent Coalition and as a McCoppin Elementary PTO Board Advisor showcase his dedication to advocating for parents, students and educators throughout the City.

“We are thrilled to have Cliff Yee serve as this year’s Grand Marshal,” said Sarah Li, from The Richmond Neighborhood Center, lead organizer of the Richmond District Lunar New Year event.

“His deep ties to the community, his unwavering dedication to equity and education, and his commitment to fostering a strong neighborhood make him the perfect choice to lead this celebration,” Li said.

The Richmond District Lunar New Year Parade is a family-friendly event that aims to bring the community together to celebrate culture, diversity, and the spirit of unity. The entire neighborhood is encouraged to come out and experience the colorful, joyful festivities.

Event Details:

● Date: Jan. 18, 2025

● Lunar Bazaar: 3:30 p.m.

● Lunar New Year Parade: 5:30 p.m.

● Location: Balboa Street from 35th to 39th avenues.

For more details, visit richmondsf.org/event/richmondlunarnewyear/