Chinese New Year celebrations at Chester Frost Park

Hixson, Tenn. (WDEF) — Saturday kicked off the Chinese New Year.

And according to the Chinese Zodiac Calendar, 2017 is the year of the rooster.

The tradition spans generations.

It celebrates myths, and honors its ancestors.

Hundreds came out to celebrate at the Chester Frost Pavilion in Hixson.

Activities throughout the day included over a dozen traditional performances and a luncheon.

The Chattanooga Chinese Association says the festival isn’t just for the Chinese, but for everyone to enjoy the culture.

Ling Jun Wang is the co-President of the Chattanooga Chinese Association. He says, “It’s a good time for people to celebrate and to pay visit for your friends and your relatives. That’s why this time is the new year, which is different than the western New Year’s.”

Dr. Wang believes there are at least a couple hundred Chinese citizens living in the Chattanooga area.