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Council approves amplified sound variance for Hmong International Freedom Festival at McMurray Fields
Summary
The council unanimously approved a sound‑level variance for the 43rd Hmong International Freedom Festival, allowing amplified sound June 27–29 at McMurray Fields. Organizers said last year’s event drew tens of thousands and that the festival—free this year—includes expanded performances marking 50 years since the Hmong exodus from Southeast Asia.
The St. Paul City Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 25-1-11, granting a sound‑level variance to United Hmong Family Inc. for amplified sound at the 43rd Hmong International Freedom Festival, scheduled June 27–29 at McMurray Fields (1151 Jessamine Avenue West).
A representative of United Hmong Family Inc. described the festival as an institution that has expanded from a picnic for newly arrived immigrants into a multiday cultural and sporting event that draws visitors from across the region. The speaker said the festival hosted about 58,000 total attendees last year based on volunteer gate counts, and that organizers expect a similarly large turnout this year as part of a program marking 50 years since the Hmong exodus from Southeast Asia. The organization also said roughly 189 vendor booths have been sold so far for the current year and that the event will include expanded local Hmong musical programming.
The organization asked the council for a sound variance to support on‑stage performances and cultural presentations. The presenter invited council members and the public to attend and credited city staff and prior council offices with helping resolve logistical and permitting challenges.
Council members who spoke following the public testimony emphasized ward pride and continuity: Council Member Peradsky, whose ward includes the event, called it “the coolest” neighborhood event and said he and his family attend every year. Several other council members noted the festival’s size and economic contribution; one councilor said the state and city had provided support for security costs and stressed that the event brings large audiences and vendors to Saint Paul.
Action taken: the council adopted Resolution 25-1-11, 7-0. The adopted resolution authorizes the sound‑level variance for the festival dates listed in the application.
