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Thousands Flock To St. Paul's Hmong New Year

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's a special weekend for Minnesota's Hmong community.

Friday is the beginning of the three-day Hmong New Year event at the St. Paul RiverCentre.

Organizers say they expect about 20-000 – 30,000 people Friday, but many more are expected to attend during the rest of the weekend.

The event will feature speakers, singing and dancing competitions and a pageant.

Hmong New Year is a time where the community comes together to have fun, and it gives many the chance to find that special someone, according to event secretary Janelle Vang.

"Behind there you see that people tossing ball, that's part of dating in the Hmong culture," Vang said. "It's part of the young generation come and flirt with each other, play with tossing ball just to get to know each other and start dating from there on."

The group Higher Education will be giving out scholarships to Hmong students Saturday.

They'll also be recognizing all the veterans that opened the door for many to come to America.

Tickets are $8. Click here for more information.

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