EventsJanuary 20, 2025

VSA to host Lunar New Year Celebration

Written By: Rachel Putman

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith will host a Lunar New Year celebration on Friday, Jan. 24, honoring Vietnamese cultural traditions and fostering community connection. The event, organized by the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), will take place at the UAFS Campus Center Reynolds Room beginning at 6 p.m.

Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including Vietnamese traditional dances by the Sacred Hearts of Mary youth group, K-pop dance covers by the UAFS K-pop Appreciation Dance Club, a fashion show featuring Vietnamese traditional clothing, and lion dances. Additionally, games and activities will allow participants to earn raffle tickets to win prizes donated by local businesses.

Food and beverages will also be served, provided by sponsors such as Asian Café, Pad Thai, Pho Cao Noodle House, Pho Hoang, Taipei Teahouse, Omni Tea, and Fort Smith Dentistry.

“It’s a time for families and friends to gather and reconnect,” said Nang Bui, president of VSA. “We’re celebrating on campus to honor Vietnamese cultural traditions and provide a sense of belonging to the community.”

The event itinerary is as follows:

• 6:00 p.m. – Games
• 7:15 p.m. – Food serving
• 7:45 p.m. – Opening and welcome
• 7:55 p.m. – Sacred Hearts of Mary dance performance
• 8:00 p.m. – K-pop Appreciation Dance Club performance
• 8:05 p.m. – Raffle
• 8:15 p.m. – Fashion show
• 8:20 p.m. – Raffle
• 8:30 p.m. – K-pop Appreciation Dance Club performance
• 8:35 p.m. – Raffle
• 8:45 p.m. – Lion dance
• 8:55 p.m. – Final raffle