Hawthorn Football Club helped celebrate Thursday's Chinese New Year by getting involved in the celebrations in the City of Whitehorse on Saturday.

2014 premiership player Taylor Duryea and Club mascot Hawka were special guests at Hawthorn's marquee in Central Box Hill, where they had the opportunity to teach new fans the skills and ideas around AFL football. 

Along with introducing Hawthorn to some of those who were there to celebrate, Duryea and Hawka enjoyed the chance to see some of the Chinese culture and unique style of celebration on hand, which included a number of activities and entertainment for all ages.

The 12-hour event saw the parade of Choi Sun (Chinese God of Fortune), traditional lion and dragon dancers, a firecracker show, martial arts demonstration, singers, dancers, games and amusement rides for all ages take centre stage.

While some visited stalls selling souvenirs, merchandise and Asian cuisine, Duryea entertained the crowd during an on-stage Q&A session, running a handball competition and assisting in the club’s marquee by handing out showbags and activities.

Hawthorn’s celebration of the Chinese New Year is the first venture in a new multicultural program aimed at connecting the club with the many different cultures embedded in the Box Hill area. In conjunction with VFL affiliate Box Hill Hawks, the club will run multicultural schools programs and a Box Hill Festival at a chosen Box Hill home game in 2015.

Duryea looked to be having fun with a Chinese dragon.

Hawka was popular among those there to celebrate the Chinese New Year.