SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The 41st Hmong International Freedom Festival kicked off in Saint Paul Saturday.
"It's most known as the Hmong soccer tournament," said Mee Vang, president of United Hmong Family. She knows all of the festival's titles.
"I'm just really proud that Saint. Paul, we get to be the home of the Hmong Olympics," she said. "So that's what they really call it."
She said there are six sports played during the festival, including soccer, volleyball, flag football, corn hole and tuj lub (also known as top-spin). breakdancing is also a big part of the celebration.
"I was two months old when we arrived in the United States," said Vang. "So I really grew up here and really grew up with this event."
If you missed today, don't worry, the festival concludes Sunday night at 8 p.m. at Como Park’s McMurray Field, 1151 Jessamine Ave W. in Saint Paul. Parking is available at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds for $10 a car and is cash only. Shuttle buses will provide rides between the parking area and the festival from 6:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
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