Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Hosts 11th Annual Chinese New Year in the Desert Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (with Video)

Earlier today, Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas hosted the official 11th Annual Chinese New Year in the Desert ribbon cutting ceremony, presented by the Asian & Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

VIDEO: 11th Annual Chinese New Year in the Desert

To welcome the Year of the Tiger, St. Mark’s Square transformed into a stunning spectacle as city officials and VIPs came together to kick off the celebration with an honorary ribbon cutting ceremony. Governor Steve Sisolak and First Lady Kathy Sisolak, Las Vegas Mayor Pro Tem Stavros Anthony and National ACE Chairwoman Dr. Karen Eng, among others, were there to commemorate the occasion.

Guests were in for a stunning celebration as city officials and VIPs welcomed everyone with a few opening remarks. Creating a very special moment, Las Vegas Mayor Pro Tem, Stavros Anthony, presented a proclamation naming today, Thursday, Feb. 3, as Chinese New Year Day in the city of Las Vegas.

As the events continued, select representatives participated in a traditional eye dotting ritual to awaken the lions and then conducted the official cutting of the ribbon. Bringing the festivities to an end, the lions paraded around the famed Shoppes, while traditional folk dancers performed for the crowd.

Additional city officials and VIPs in attendance included: LVCVA Vice President of Marketing, Fletch Brunelle; National ACE Chairwoman, Dr. Karen Eng; Nevada State Treasurer, Zach Conine; Presenting Sponsors and Jamba inside the Las Vegas Airport franchise owners, Michael Ty and Mary Ann Ty; and Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas China Specialist, Z.J Tong.