Hmong New Year celebration kicks off in southeast Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Nearly a hundred thousand people are expected to attend the Hmong New Year celebration at the Fresno Fairgrounds.

From food to vendors to cultural traditions, attendees can expect a variety of things to do during the four-day celebration.

Organizers say this is the country's biggest Hmong New Year celebration, with people flying in from other countries to ring in a new year alongside family and friends.

Hundreds gathered at the Fresno Fairgrounds on Thursday morning to kick off the Hmong New Year celebration.

From cultural traditions to food to dozens of vendors, it was an eventful opening day.

Some young people wore traditional Hmong clothing while hoping to meet a new friend.

"Hmong people use it to find girlfriends and boyfriends, but you can come here just to toss the ball," explained attendee Ryan Thao.

Chong and Tria say they met 20 years ago when he tossed a tennis ball toward her, and they've been inseparable ever since.

Now, the Sanger couple bring their children to celebrate a fresh start every year.

"My family is very excited. Especially for the kids. My son and my daughter, they are very excited," said Chong.

Organizers say almost a hundred thousand people are expected to make their way to the fairgrounds over the four-day event-the biggest celebration in the country.

"We were holding for celebrating for 12 months, so this is only once that we celebrate. This is huge," said Dr. Toulu Thao with Hmong, Inc.

Local leaders were also in attendance.

Mayor Jerry Dyer has attended the Hmong New Year festivities for the last 30 years.

"We should do everything we can to support them, and we want to make sure they have a very, very festive Hmong New Year this year," said Mayor Dyer.

The celebrations will continue for the next three days.

For more information, including ticket prices, click here.

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