It’s the Year of the Tiger (Lunar Year 4708) and the 2010 Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in San Francisco’s Chinatown are the first of several events scheduled in celebration of the Chinese New Year. The event, sponsored by Southwest Airlines, is always held on the weekend before the Chinese New Year’s Day. The Flower Fair is free to attend, but you might want to buy some fresh flowers, fruits, and other fair concessions.

“Oranges, tangerines, flowers, plants, and a variety of foods are just a few of the many new year’s items for sale at the Flower Fair. Oranges and tangerines are symbols for abundant happiness. Tangerines with leaves intact assure that one’s relationship with the other remains secure.”

WHAT’S THE DEAL: Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony are free to attend.

WHEN: Saturday, February 6, 2010, 10am-8pm & Sunday, February 7, 2010, 9am-6pm. Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, around 10:45 am.

WHERE: San Francisco Chinatown, Grant Avenue, from Broadway to Clay Street, San Francisco, CA. Ribbon cutting ceremony at the main stage on Washington Street below Grant. Booths and concessions located on Grant Avenue, from Broadway to Clay Street, and on Pacific Avenue, from Stockton to Kearny Street, and Jackson Street between Stockton and Kearny.