Chinese New Year: Winnipeggers welcome Year of the Sheep

Hundreds of Manitobans, including dignitaries and members of the local Chinese community, welcomed the new lunar year with the annual community banquet in Winnipeg's Chinatown.

Lt.-Gov. Philip Lee, Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman and provincial politicians were among those in attendance at Thursday evening's banquet at Kum Koon Garden restaurant.

A lion dance performance was a highlight of the evening's festivities, along with the unveiling of Canada Post's latest Chinese zodiac stamp.

This year marks the Year of the Sheep, also known as the Year of the Ram or Goat.

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The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ unveiled its new Chinatown street banners honouring the new year.

Designed by local artist Kal Barteski, the Year of the Sheep banners will be on display throughout the neighbourhood this year.

The banquet was organized by the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Centre, which is also hosting a cultural showcase at The Forks on Saturday afternoon.

The showcase, which is free of charge, will include a lion dance, Chinese folk dancing, singing, martial arts and cooking demonstrations.