Hmong community in Granby kicks off 20th Annual New Year Celebration

GRANBY, Mo. — For some, New Year's is celebrated at the end of the year.

However, one local Hmong community started the celebration on Saturday.

The 20th annual Hmong New Year's celebration kicked off at the Granby Intermediate School.

The Hmong New Year holiday starts at the end of the harvest season.

Hundreds of Hmong-Americans came out to celebrate in traditional and modern Hmong clothes.

The event had dance performances and fashion shows showing off generations of the Hmong style.

Also part of the celebration is the tradition of finding a significant other at the event.

There was also a special guest appearance from the youngest son to General Vang Pao.

"It means a great deal for everyone, but for me to personally, be here in Granby, Missouri to participate, it is meaningful for me too," said Chi Neng Vang, youngest son to General Vang Pao.

"Just to see how many people are here and everyone coming together for this one day, I mean there's been moments I'm like I wanted to break down in tears and I'm going to break down here - because all the hard work that put in to put today together - means a lot," said Kelly Lee, Southwest Missouri Hmong Association board president.

Hmong New Year is actually November 30, which was when the harvest season ended.