Asian experience as the crowds flock in

Ziuan (left) and his sister Lan with sweets waiting to watch the Cambodian Lion Dance group. 134564_02

THOUSANDS of people descended on the centre of Springvale on Sunday to welcome in the Year of the Goat.
Lunar New Year festivities kicked off at 10am and continued until 10pm, when DJ 2 Green Dollars wrapped up the entertainment program on the main stage.
Crowds tucked into a smorgasbord of contemporary and traditional food from all over Asia served up by more than 40 vendors.
Twelve hours of entertainment on the main stage included Cambodian lion dancing, Chinese New Year ribbon dancing, Cantonese opera, solo singers and flare dancers.
Amusement rides and a variety of art and craft stalls added to the carnival atmosphere.
The festival has become one of the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations in Melbourne with people travelling from all over the city to participate in the free entertainment.
The event was produced by the City of
Greater Dandenong in partnership with the Springvale Asian Business Association.