Southeast Minnesota is rich with events celebrating the cultural and ethnic diversity of its residents.  Refugee and immigrant communities enjoy seeing people born in the United States participating in the festivities.  Take advantage of this rich learning opportunity while strengthening the fabric of our community by attending one of the events listed below.  Check back frequently for updates!

Cambodian New Year Celebration

Friday through Sunday, April 6-8, Buddhist Support Society (4462 29th St SE, Rochester)

Happy Cambodian New Year!  Ring it in with the local Cambodian community during events at the Temple on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 6-8. 

Lao New Year Celebration

Saturday, April 7 (evening), 4-H Building (1508 Aune Dr SE, Graham Park [Olmsted County Fairgrounds], Rochester) 

Sunday, April 8, 2:30 pm, Emmanuel Baptist Church (2911 18th Ave NW, Rochester)

Join the festivities celebrating the Lao New Year!  The event is free to attend and open to the public. 

World Festival

Friday, April 13, 7:00 pm

Saturday, April 14, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Mayo High School (1420 11th Ave SE, Rochester)

World Festival, sponsored by the Rochester International Association, is a yearly event to showcase the cultures in Southeast Minnesota. 

On Friday night at 7:00 pm, enjoy cultural performances (entrance fees: adult = $8, children = $4, family = $20).  On Saturday, browse cultural displays, sample ethnic foods, watch the Parade of Nations and other entertainment, and shop in the marketplace from 10:00 am-3:00 pm.   

IMAA Bridge Building Event

Wednesday, April 18

12:00-1:00 p.m. at IMAA

Are you interested in learning more about how IMAA creates stability, supports success and builds community for new Americans?  Come to this free, one-hour long event to hear stories about the people and families IMAA positively impacts every day.  To register, call (507) 289-5960, ext. 100. 

3rd Annual Taste of Nations

Saturday, April 21, 11:00 am-2:00 pm, Oak Park Mall (1301 18th Ave NW, Austin, MN)

Sample food from around the world during this event supporting efforts to build community in Austin, Minnesota.  There is no cost to attend.

Flyer: Taste of Nations 4-21-12

Start the Day with IMAA

Wednesday, April 25, 7:00-8:00 a.m. at the Rochester Art Center (40 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, parking available in Civic Center ramp near Library)

Join IMAA for its first fundraising breakfast!  Don’t worry, though, this is no ordinary fundraiser!  First of all, there is no cost to attend.  During the event, people whose lives have been touched by IMAA will share their stories.  It is not mandatory to give, but we suspect you may be touched enough to want to help IMAA achieve its mission in one way or another.  IMAA is thrilled for this opportunity to share our work in the community.  To RSVP, please call (507) 289-5960, ext. 100.

Invitation: Start the Day with IMAA 4-25-12