WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The 6th annual Hmong Wausau Festival opens Saturday morning.
Organizer Yee Leng Xiong says the event has become a celebration of everything the Hmong culture has brought to Central Wisconsin. “It’s a summer celebration and a celebration of our incredible heritage and culture. Most importantly [it offers the chance] to tour and visit Central Wisconsin.”
Xiong says vendors from as far away as California and Texas will be in town to sell their art and food. The event regularly sells out hotel rooms located within a wide radius of Wausau as well.
The success of the event over the last six years shows the resilience of the Hmong people, who didn’t find the most welcoming atmosphere when they were resettled in Marathon County during the Vietnam era. “At one point the Hmong community was told we were a drain on resources, a drain on taxpayer dollars. But this is a prime example of how much we are contributing to the community. Thousands of people from all across the country are coming in and will generate several millions of dollars in economic impact,” said Xiong.
He expects that will include not only hotel room tax but dining and spending at local businesses.
The festival centers on athletic events including soccer, flag football, and volleyball tournaments. There will also be dancing and singing competitions and a Mr. Hmong Ryalty Pageant.
The majority of the events will be held at the People’s Sports Complex in Wausau. Some events will occur at other locations including the fishing tournament which will be held at Half Moon Lake.
Gates will open to the public at 7 AM on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free for those under the age of 10 and over the age of 62. Everyone else will pay $15 for a two-day pass, and $8 for a one-day pass.
Once again the Wausau MetroRide bus service will offer free park-and-ride shuttles from Airport Park, North Central Health Care, and John Marshall Elementary.
