LAHAINA — Lahaina will welcome Chinese New Year with colorful and exciting lion dances on Front Street.

Beginning in Banyan Tree Park at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 4, the lions will parade through Lahaina Town visiting shops.

The elaborate costumes feature two or three dancers each, with lion heads weighing over 35 pounds.

Festively decked out in red for happiness and gold for wealth, an entourage accompanies the lions with traditional drums, gongs, cymbals and firecrackers to scare away demons.

Feed the lions for good luck in the Year of the Rabbit.

Presented by LahainaTown Action Committee, the event is free; all ages are welcome. Call Scott Forsythe at 667-9175 for information.