Chun-Ing the dragon always loved the parade, watching from his cave up high in the hills.
Lanterns glowed as banners waved, people gathered down below, their excitement erasing the sting of winter’s chills.
The fresh smell of rice cakes and sweets filled the air, as fireworks shot upward to light up the night.
Acrobats twirled and leaped, while lions danced in the streets, roaring and shouting, filled with New Year's Eve delight.
Chun-Ing frowned as he watched on, wishing to join in, but was afraid. Who would ever invite a dragon like him to join in the parade?
While Chun-Ing sat in his cave, mumbling about an unreachable dream, down in China Town was a totally different scene.
A warehouse had collapsed during the middle of the night, destroying the lead float, causing much strife.
That float was important to signal the parade to begin, but now was lost forever thanks to a strong and gusty wind.
"There is no time to build another one!" said a man. “We don't have a day! We have no choice but to cancel the parade!"
But then the Chief of the parade came up with a plan, looking up towards the cliff where Chun-Ing would stand to watch every parade pass on by. The dragon wouldn't let the celebration die!
So the Chief approached Chun-Ing in his cave and asked him to join the fun. Needless to say, Chun-Ing was stunned.
Later that night, Chun-Ing found himself at the front of the row, ready to march at the gong's first blow.
When the time came, and the gong finally rung, Chun-Ing started in the path of the setting sun.
Following the dragon's path, the music began to play. The floats rolled on, and the banners waved.
Chun-Ing decided to give the parade his own special flare, and shot fire right into air.
People cheered as they watched Chun-Ing and the floats move past, praising the dragon who was making this New Year's a blast.
Seeing the smiles on the people’s faces, the Chief of the parade, from the
sidelines said...
"Forget that other float! We have Chun-Ing instead."
An hour later, the parade ended with a gong, and Chun-Ing bowed to the people saying "So long."
With that, the dragon flew off and cuddled in his den. Resting and waiting for the New Year to come again.
The End