ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The 50th anniversary of Hmong American Day will be celebrated with a free, family-friendly festival at Elk Grove Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17.

The event will honor the resilience and contributions of the Hmong community in the United States, particularly in Sacramento County, which is home to more than 30,000 Hmong Americans. Activities will include a car show, cultural performances, food vendors and entertainment for all ages.

Hmong American Day commemorates the arrival of Hmong refugees to the United States after the Vietnam War. Many Hmong people were recruited by the CIA to fight in the “Secret War” in Laos, aiding U.S. forces during the conflict. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, tens of thousands of Hmong families fled persecution in Southeast Asia and resettled in the United States as refugees.

Elk Grove has since become home to one of the largest Hmong populations in the region, contributing significantly to the city’s cultural and economic landscape. The annual celebration highlights the importance of preserving Hmong history and heritage for future generations.

The 2025 celebration is hosted in partnership with Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang, Elk Grove Unified School Board Trustee Sean Yang and other community organizations.

More information about the event is available at exploreelkgrove.com/events/hmong-american-day.