'BELONG & SHARED INVESTMENT.' Those are some of the reasons Hmong Youth Day has seen an incredible increase in community involvement since its debut in 2021.

After welcoming over 600 people to last year’s event, the Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association (ECAHMAA) is expecting a similar turnout at this summer’s Hmong Youth Day – slated for Saturday, Aug. 2.

There are several things the local organization points to as potential reasons behind Hmong Youth Day’s success, though today’s event is not the same as when it debuted back in 2021.

As Michelle Harris and Payeng Xiong – the organization’s program development coordinator and youth coordinator, respectively – recalled, the first event came to be thanks to a partnership between ECAHMAA and the Eau Claire Police Department. That year, 25 attendees showed.

“What started as a way to build trust and promote public safety has since evolved into a vibrant community celebration,” Harris and Xiong said. “In 2022, attendance grew to 115, and by 2023, the event welcomed over 600 participants and included more than 20 community organizations – highlighting just how meaningful this day has become for the community.”

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THE CONTINUED GROWTH AND ENTHUSIASM FOR HMONG YOUTH DAY SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT THE VALUES OF OUR COMMUNITY.

MICHELLE HARRIS & PAYENG XIONG

EAU CLAIRE AREA HMONG MUTUAL ASSISTANCE ASSOCIATION

This year, attendees will find various organizations offering information about their services and interactive activities. All organizations will offer “passports” that youths can gain stamps in, in order to win prizes.

There will also be two bounce houses, a bubble station, balloon art, face painting, on-site food trucks and local vendors, and a special scholarship awards ceremony which will recognize outstanding Hmong youth who have been nominated by educators and community leaders.

“It’s a family-friendly day designed to celebrate, uplift, and empower Hmong youth whole connecting families to important community resources,” Harris and Xiong said.

Planning for Hmong Youth Day begins months in advance, the duo explained, and is only possible – and offered for free to attendees – thanks to a collaboration between dedicated volunteers, local nonprofits, and support from sponsors (this year’s funder is the Eau Claire City-County Health Department).

“It’s truly a team effort, driven by a shared commitment to investing in our youth and strengthening our community,” Harris and Xiong continued. “The continued growth and enthusiasm for Hmong Youth Day speaks volumes about the values of our community.”

Notably, 2025 is also the recognized anniversary of Hmong resettlement in the region. Hmong Youth Day will feature an acknowledgement of the anniversary by masters of ceremony. More than that, the continued support from Eau Claire residents toward ECAHMAA events and the Hmong community speaks to something deeper.

“Surveys consistently show that local Hmong families deeply value opportunities for youth engagement, cultural pride, and connection to resources,” Harris and Xiong said. “(Hmong Youth Day) offers a space where families can come together, celebrate culture, and learn more about the services and opportunities available to them.

“That sense of belonging and shared investment is what truly brings people back year after year.”

Hmong Youth Day will be hosted at Eau Claire’s Phoenix Park on Saturday, Aug. 2, beginning at 4pm. The event is free for the public to attend.

Keep up with Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association on Facebook and learn more about the organization on its website (www.ecahmaa.org).