Wisconsin Exposition Center, 8200 West Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214
Contact: Diana Vang-Brostoff, 920.254.6879
Four decades ago in December, the first 1,000 Hmong refugees arrived in the U.S. and resettled in various cities including Milwaukee. This year, the Milwaukee Hmong-American community will proudly celebrate its 42 nd New Year in America.
“The Hmong New Year is a time for reviving our spirits. At this special event, there is something for everyone. It is a place for meeting with loved ones and to form new bonds with others. We have many vendors that carry a wide variety of ethnic foods, clothing, and much more,” said Junior Vue, Chairman of the Milwaukee Hmong New Year Planning Committee.
Traditionally, the celebration is a time for families to take a break from the year long and busy subsistence agricultural life. It is also a time for the singles to find their mates. Colorful traditional costumes, ball tossing and folk song exchanges are the most symbolic activities of the Hmong New Year Celebration. Such activities provide singles unique opportunities to interact and win over one another’s heart. Other activities such as bull fights and sports like kato, badminton, and spin top are also part of the fun.
The symbolic costume display and ball tossing will remain a major part of the 42 nd Milwaukee Hmong New Year Celebration. Nonetheless, the celebration has transformed to include activities like a woman’s pageant contest which emphasizes leadership and skill building, dancing and singing competitions, a fashion show coordinated by Malika Lor (a
local Hmong fashion designer), and many others. While there will be no bull fights, there will be scholarships given to students, awards given to the outstanding man and woman of the year, lots of shopping opportunities and numerous sponsors present to support the Hmong-American community such as U.S. Bank, Aurora Health Care, and Landmark Credit Union.
The event is hosted by the Milwaukee Hmong Consortium which consisted of leaders in the Hmong community and local Hmong non-profit agencies such as the Hmong American Friendship Association, Inc. and Shee Yee Community, Inc.
What: Milwaukee Hmong New Year Celebration Event
When: Dec. 2 nd and Dec. 3 rd(Opening Ceremony will take place on Dec. 2 nd at 10:15 a.m.)
Where: Wisconsin Exposition Center
8200 West Greenfield Ave.
West Allis, WI 53214
