It's the time of year to paint the town red

Lunar New Year sign at Pacific Centre, Vancouver, BC

Red lanterns at Pacific Centre, Vancouver, BC

River Rock Casino's Lunar New Year-themed promotion, Granville SkyTrain station, Vancouver, BC

Edgewater Casino's Lunar New Year-themed promotion, Granville SkyTrain station, Vancouver, BC

It's the time of year for Vancouver to go completely nuts for Lunar New Year. The Chinese population is large enough that it is worthwhile for lots of establishments to make a big deal out of the celebration.

Is this a respectful observance, or just a crass attempt to capitalize and make a buck. I suspect the latter. Well if it works for Black Friday, why not Lunar New Year?