'Explore, relax and enjoy': Hmong Wausau Festival returns with competitions, food, music, fireworks
WAUSAU – The Hmong American Center is hosting the biggest party in Wausau this weekend. The fifth annual Hmong Wausau Festival offers abundant sights, sounds and delicious food for all ages.
The two-day event kicks off Saturday and takes over Peoples Sports Complex, 602 E. Kent St. The venue allows ample space for athletes, musicians and dancers to showcase their skills in multiple competitions throughout the weekend.
The festival begins with a parade and opening ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday. During the ceremony, various leaders will speak, including Gov. Tony Evers.
The event also features a night festival with live music, street performers, food and fireworks.
The $150,000 event seeks to celebrate the Hmong culture and people that make up 12 percent of the population in Wausau. Last year, 14,000 people were in attendance and thousands are expected to return this year.
"Lines will be long, but be respectful," said Yee Leng Xiong, executive director of the Hmong American Center. "Explore, relax and enjoy the festival."
Xiong said it takes the entire year to plan the annual festival, but it pays off because attendance has grown substantially every year since 2017 when 7,000 people attended.
Competitions: Cheer a team to victory
Whether you are an admirer of sports or the arts, there is a competition for you to support.
Over 100 men's and women's teams will be competing in volleyball, flag football, soccer and fishing. Each winning team will receive cash prizes.
The Hmong fishing tournament will launch at 7 a.m. Saturday in Mosinee's River Park.
The athletic competitions start at 9 a.m. Saturday and continue into Sunday.
Traditional and modern Hmong music will be featured in the dance and singing competitions on Saturday and Sunday. The artists will take the stage at noon Saturday after the opening ceremonies. Round two of the competitions will continue on Sunday.
The annual Hmong Royalty Talent Pageant is open to men and women 17-30 years old. The Mr. or Miss Hmong Royalty Talent Pageant winner will receive $2,500. The contestants will show their Hmong language skills, special talents, personal platforms and traditional attire.
Night festival: Food, fun and fireworks
After a long day of fierce competition, the night comes alive Saturday night with entertainment and food.
"Everybody, without a doubt, is there for the food," Xiong said.
This year the event sold out their open booths and there are over 20 food and drink vendors along with 40 non-food vendors.
The night festival features the 7T Band, Sua Vaj, Touky Xiong and Leng Yang. The artists will be followed by a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Know before you go
Gates and ticket booths open at 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $8 for one-day entry and $15 for a two-day pass. Only cash will be accepted at the ticket booths.
Free off-site parking and bus shuttles are available at Airport Park, 155 Lakeview Drive, Wausau; John Marshall Elementary School, 1918 Lamont St., Wausau; and Northcentral Health Care, 1100 Lake View Drive, Wausau.
The grand parade and opening ceremony start at 9 a.m. Saturday. Sixteen leaders, including Gov. Tony Evers, will take part in the speaker program from 9:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For more information and a complete list of speakers or events, visit the Hmong Wausau Festival Facebook page.
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This article originally appeared on Wausau Daily Herald: Hmong Wausau Festival returns with competitions, food, music fireworks
