Khmer New Year 2024 Photos, Recap, and Thank You!
Dear Maine,
As we look at the photos and social media posts from Saturday’s Khmer New Year 2024 Festival and Parade, many words come to mind. For now, we will settle on a heartfelt “Thank you!”
Hundreds and hundreds of Cambodian community members and people of all backgrounds joined us for our second public Khmer New Year festival in Westbrook, Maine. In the open Riverbank Park grounds, on the banks of the Presumpscot River, Mainers gathered to experience what is becoming one of Maine’s largest cultural events.
At 12 pm, the festival opened its doors to a bustling vendor village, a testament to the support of our local businesses, sponsors, and community partners. We extend a special thank you to Equality Community Center, Presente! Maine, and the Chinese American Friendship Association of Maine for their invaluable contributions to the event.
A parade led by traditional drummers and “angels” kicked off at 1 pm and wound its way up through the park, circling the Riverbank monument where DJ Johnny Phay and the Black Cobra band hyped up the crowd. Behind the drummers and angels were representatives of Watt Samaki Temple, followed by Khmer Maine board members and volunteers, and a contingent of elected officials - Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Westbrook Acting Mayor David Morse, State Senator Jill Duson, State Reps. Sue Salisbury, Sam Zager, Dan Sayre, and Westbrook City Councilors Victor Chau and Gary Rairdon.
One of the most significant moments of the festival was the showcase of Khmer classical and traditional dances, art forms that were almost completely wiped out during the Cambodian Genocide in the late 1970s. The return of the Lowell-based Angkor Dance Troupe for the fourth year in a row was a testament to the resilience of our cultural heritage and their support for Khmer Maine’s dance students during their performances was truly heartwarming.
Kids of all backgrounds participated in games and activities hosted by Khmer Maine Food and Farm Manager Bunly Uy and our partners at UMaine Cooperative Extension 4-H. Kids and parents played jumping sacks, tug-of-war, pinata-style clay pots, and crafted their own terrariums.
Of course, we can’t forget the food! Within a few hours, the five Cambodian food vendors at the festival reported being completely sold out! A special thanks to Barry Larry’s Food Truck, BiddoBanh, and the Chim Family for offering festival-goers plenty of options!
This recap doesn’t do the festival justice, but we wanted to share with you the highlights of the event and the impact cultural celebrations like Khmer New Year has for Westbrook, the Greater Portland region, and Maine.
With heartfelt thanks,
Christina, Marpheen, Rachel, Sosanya, and Theary
The Khmer Maine Events Committee
