2018 Chinese New Year Parade takes place Feb. 24th

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) -  Preparations are underway for the city's annual Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco, with 2018 as the Year of the Dog.

The parade takes place Saturday, Feb. 24, and thousands of spectators are expected to head downtown to watch the annual extravaganza.

The parade began in the 1860's and has become a tradition to celebrate the Chinese culture in San Francisco. The parade is now the largest celebration of Asian Culture outside of Asia, according to chineseparade.com. 

The night will be filled with floats, firecrackers, elaborate costumes and an appearance by the newly crowned Miss Chinatown U.S.A. 

For those who can't watch in person, the parade will be aired on KTVU from 6-8 p.m. 

The parade, organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, will take place rain or shine. 

Learn more about the Chinese New Year Festival and Parade here.