This is our seventh year attending the July 4th celebration at Wat Lao Buddhavong in Catlett Virginia. The celebration started on July 4th, and they had a 3 days celebration. We attended Thursday July 4th, and got there early for the morning Alms giving.
We also visited my mom’s monument, it has been 6.5 years since she passed away. The sadness is still there and I don’t think it will ever go away.
Max went with us this year and this beats staying at the doggy hotel. We used to board him in the past, and he had separation anxiety and didn’t do too well. One great thing about camping is that you can take your dog with you, and most if not all campgrounds are pet friendly.
They didn’t have a good turnout this year, probably less than half of last year’s turnout. They also changed the program and I missed the Lao classical dance.
Geenoy from Laos
Jop and Joy, two sisters from Thailand.
Playlist of videos at Wat Lao Buddhavong July 4, 2013 event.
Photos and videos were shot with 5DMkIII, Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens, and EF70-200mm f/4L USM lens.
Nye Noona 
I guess the crowds are getting less and less each year, that probably also true for entertainers as well. I only been there once and probably won’t be planning another anytime soon. In my own opinion, I think the temple is over charging for entrance fee. I also do realizes that the temple have to recoup their investment.
I didn’t know KeeNoy sings, but I know he host a tv show back in Laos.
Hi seeharhed, I think the temple didn’t want to pay for the singers to come from Thailand, and only get those that are already here touring in the US, like Jop and Joy that have been touring in the US during that time. I attended my first event there over 15 years ago and the place was packed. It’s a different atmosphere now, the concert ended at 6 pm this year, and it was 9 pm the previous years.
I figure KeeNoy had to learn to sing in order for him to tour the US, would be kind of boring to hear him talk only.
I would love to visit this temple if I am ever in the east coast. It must be one of the oldest Lao Buddhist temple in the U.S.
Cn, it’s a nice temple, my mom loved this place when she visited 16 years ago. The temple was found in 1979, and they moved to this place in 1985. It’s a big temple and I would imagine a lot of upkeep. I look forward to seeing the lotus pound, singers and dancers every year.