As we wind down the Year of the Nak, and approach the Year of the Snake, 2556, Little Laos on the Prairie wanted to take a moment to put it into perspective. For Lao American communities, we should remember we celebrated Year of the Snake in America only three previous years: 1977, 1989, and 2001. Or, using the traditional Lao calendar, 2520, 2532, and 2544. How should we celebrate this fourth time? In Minnesota, it’s also the 30th anniversary of the Lao Assistance Center serving the community. There are many other milestones and events being planned ahead including the International Lao Studies Conference (April 19-21) and the 4th Luang Prabang Film Festival in winter. As an interesting bit of trivia, depending on the system you use, this is also the Year of the Black Snake or the Year of the Water Snake. Many traditional Lao think snakes and snake-like beings that dwell in the waters are lucky, or at least, should be respected and not trifled with. The first major Year of the Snake of …