Hmong New Year event canceled after Dome collapse
Organizers of a Hmong New Year celebration have canceled the event after the Metrodome roof collapsed.
The event was set Jan. 1-2 at the Metrodome but has been called off altogether.
Tong Yang, president of the event, tells KSTP-TV the board of directors searched for a new venue, including the Minneapolis Convention Center. But Yang says, "They don't have an opening for us."
An estimated 40,000 people were expected to attend the Hmong New Year celebration. According to Yang, anyone who pre-purchased a ticket can get a refund.
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Organizers say they've lost $35,000 in advertising and non-refundable deposits.
The Metrodome's inflatable roof collapsed Dec. 12 after a snowstorm dumped 17 inches of snow on the Twin Cities. The collapse forced the Minnesota Vikings to move their final two home games.
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Information from: KSTP-TV, http://www.kstp.com
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)