Well it is almost Sytende Mai (Norwegian Independence I believe). I went to one of their parades once and mixed in with the people in Norwegian garb were Laotian immigrants in their national garb with all the silver jewelry etc. that they are known for.....I recognized a couple of students from the high school I worked at and asked how they came to march in a Norwegian parade. They said the Norwegians through their Lutheran church had provided a lot of support and sponsorship for them. What was really cute was the Lao babies the Norwegians had adopted marching in their Norwegian clothing.

And then there was the famous Seattle councilman, Sam Smith, African-American, dancing on St. Patrick's Day with the little redheads.

mg