Chinese New Year celebrations take place in Raleigh with increased security

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Chinese American Friendship Association of North Carolina is hosted its annual Chinese New Year Gala on Sunday.

The event was designed to celebrate the year of the rabbit. It featured several different local performers.

The gala took place from 3-6 p.m. at the Stewart Theatre at NC State.

On Saturday hundreds of people came out for the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival at Dorton Arena.

This was the first in person event since the pandemic.

Organizers added extra precautions this year after the mass shootings in California.

They wanted to ensure visitors could focus on the family friendly celebration.

The event featured authentic international food, drinks as well as performances.