Long Beach turns out for Cambodian New Year parade

Members of the Cambodian Culture & Art Preservation Association step out behind a flag bearer during the sixth annual Cambodian New Year parade on Anaheim Street in Long Beach on Sunday. (Stephen Carr, Staff Photographer)

Paradegoers enjoy sights and sounds of the annual Cambodian New Year event as cultural, social and arts groups pass down the route. (Stephen Carr, Staff Photographer)

Rickshaws were part of the sixth annual Cambodian New Year parade, that took place on Anaheim Street between Junipero Ave and MacArthur Park. in Long Beach. (Stephen Carr, Staff Photographer)

The multicultural melange set off on its sixth annual trip down Anaheim Street to a large and appreciative crowd.

04/04/2010
By Greg Mellen, Staff Writer
Long Beach Press Telegram

GALLERY: 6th annual Cambodian New Year Parade

LONG BEACH — The multicultural melange that is the Cambodian New Year parade set off on its sixth annual trip down Anaheim Street Sunday morning to a large and appreciative crowd.

The number of parade participants was down for a second straight year, possibly due in part to the economy or this year's date coinciding with Easter. Some of the Christian, Latino and interfaith organizations were not on hand this time around.

However, the crowd was at least as large and enthusiastic as in prior years and the spirit of the event was equally buoyant.

And, as seems to be tradition with the event, the grim-looking morning clouds seemed to disperse on cue with the 10:14 a.m. parade start from Junipero Avenue.

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