MARSHALL, Minn. — United Hmong Southwest Minnesota will celebrate 50 years of the Hmong community living in the United States during its annual Hmong New Year Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Red Baron Arena & Expo in Marshall. The free all-day event will feature cultural programs, performances, and evening entertainment honoring the milestone.
Festivities begin at 9 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by President Kong Patchay Xiong of the Hmong 18 Council, Inc. Speakers include Marshall City Administrator Sharon Hanson, Southwest Minnesota State University Interim President Dr. David P. Jones, and state Reps. Kaohly Vang Her and Ethan Cha.
The day program will include a Hmong-Lao Veterans presentation, traditional kwv txhiaj singing, and dance performances by the Southwest Nkauj Hmoob Dancers and other local groups. Afternoon activities will feature a fashion show, music, and cultural performances from artists including Chee Nou Vue, Serenity Yang, and Supryze.
Evening entertainment begins at 7 p.m. with remarks from Rep. Kaohly Vang Her, followed by live performances from Symphony Band, Lee Xiong, Ntsuab Teev Yaj, and others.
Events run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the day program and from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. for evening entertainment. The celebration is open to the public. For more information, email info@unitedhmongswmn.org.
