by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – As so many other things go in 2020, one of Sheboygan’s unique celebrations is joining the ranks of the virtual world. The 42nd annual Hmong New Year Celebration will go virtual this year. The week-long observance is normally held nightly around the new year by the many Hmong families that trace their origins back to Laos.
Abuses of the so-called “Hill Tribe”, which aided the U.S. Military in a secret campaign there during the Viet Nam war era, led many to flee their home country, and the first arrived in Sheboygan in 1976.
The Hmong T-28 Exhibit at the Aviation Heritage Center of the Sheboygan County Airport honors the Hmong pilots who flew the North American T-28 “Trojan” and other aircraft from remote airstrips in support of American CIA covert operations in Laos during the Secret War.
The 2010 census estimated that about 4,100 Hmong now live in Sheboygan…the 4th highest population in the state. That population will celebrate the traditional Hmong New Year with cultural and fashion shows, singing and dancing, cooking demonstrations, traditional and contemporary art, and even some contests.
You’ll be able to join the celebrations nightly on YouTube December 27th through January 2nd.
Comments