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“They say you’ll find your soul mate here,” the 19-year-old La Crosse woman said as she sat amid a large crowd of people watching dance performances at Veterans Memorial Park in West Salem.
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Hmong dancers perform on stage at the 20th LaCrosse Hmong New Year celebraton at Veterans Memorial park near West Salem. Dick Riniker photo |
Decked in a semi-traditional red dress with purple lace and sparkling silver jewelry around her neck, she was sure to draw some attention.
Considering the large number of people from all over Wisconsin, Minnesota and beyond that come to celebrate Hmong culture, the odds of meeting someone are pretty good, she said.
Although the traditional new year starts Dec. 30 of the Hmong calendar year, the La Crosse celebration is this weekend — timed to take advantage of the last of the warm weather.
On the soccer sidelines
Avery Xiong, 20, of La Crosse, was enjoying the weather on the opposite end of the park. Avery estimates that he spends about 95 percent of his time at the celebration on or near the soccer fields.
“The other 5 percent of the time I go over there to get food and water,” he said pointing to the vendors and the main stage.
Avery said the best part of the celebration is competing in the soccer tournament and winning.
If his team, made up of friends from middle school, wins this year’s tournament, it will be their fifth consecutive win, he said.
The secret to their success?
“Some teams just pull players randomly, but we all grew up playing with each other,” he said.
Mouth watering ...
Chai Lee, 22, of Milwaukee, just got out of the car after more than 200 miles of driving to the La Crosse grounds. It was worth it. His mouth was watering for the foot-long spicy sausages and sticky rice from vendors’ steaming tents.
“Whenever I cook it, it is just not the same,” he said.
Center of attention
In peach, pink and light blue flowing dresses, they stood just off the stage awaiting their next performance.
“The Holmen Girls” were about to do a dance based on performances they’ve seen at Hmong celebrations in the past, said Pakula Lo, 16.
Being on stage in front of a large crowd is “scary, but fun at the same time,” said Lo.
“It’s worth it,” added Kaitlyn Glentz, 16. “You feel proud of yourself afterward because everyone is cheering you on, even if you make mistakes.”
If you go
What: La Crosse Hmong New Year Festival; performances, sports, food, clothing vendors and more.
When: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. today
Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Hwy. 16, West Salem
