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.
Among the honored guests at the parade was Cambodian Ambassador to the United States Hem Heng, who was making his first trip to the Long Beach event.
"As a Cambodian, it makes me very proud," Heng said. "It is an indication of the prestige of the Cambodian-American people in Long Beach.
"Also this parade can make others know better the Cambodian people."
Heng said having Cambodians stage an all-American event such as a parade, which is unknown in Cambodia, was a fitting way for cultures to mix and interact.
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