Of Crock-Pots and melting pots

Ah, Thanksgiving: that time of year we gather our family 'round, try to ignore the “I'm not necessarily a Trump supporter, but …” nonsense coming out of Uncle Joe's mouth, and drink and eat ourselves into a stupor in honor of some whack origin myths about that one time some old white guys in buckled shoes took a break from spreading smallpox to Native Americans in order to eat some food given to them by said Native Americans. Also, football.

For those looking to step outside the honor-thy-colonialist-past box, Sacramento is doing right by its claim as one of the most diverse cities in the country and has a number of multicultural activities taking place in the week leading up to the feast. On Thursday, November 19, at 8 p.m., the Akram Khan Company stages its first full-length production, kaash, at the Mondavi Center (One Shields Avenue in Davis); the performance highlights contemporary and classical Indian dance, sculpture and music. Tickets are $13.50-$51 and can be purchased at www.mondaviarts.org.

On Saturday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Native Film Festival will be taking place at the California State Indian Museum (2618 K Street) and five films covering a wide range of American history will be shown. Admission is $3-$4 and more information can be found at http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=486.

Elsewhere on Saturday, the Viking Festival is happening at the Harding San Juan Masonic Lodge (5944 San Juan Avenue in Citrus Heights) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees can browse a Christmas fair and eat various Scandinavian treats, including something called “Viking-on-a-stick.” Find out more at www.sonsofnorwaysacramento.com.

From Thursday, November 26, through Sunday, November 29,this year's Sacramento Hmong New Year at Cal Expo (1600 Exposition Boulevard) celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Hmong migration from Laos and the city's 27,000 Hmong residents. Southeast Asian snacks will abound, as well as cultural performances and sports competitions. Festivities take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and admission is $4 for adults, and free for children and adults over 65. More information can be found at http://sacramentohmongnewyear.com/.