2023 OAA Picnic, Bon Dance, Scholarship Awards

Umanchu majun
OAA Picnic uti ashibibusan!

We want to have fun with everyone
at the OAA Picnic!


GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR:

SILVER LEVEL SPONSOR:

SILVER LEVEL SPONSOR:

BRONZE LEVEL SPONSOR:

July 16, 2023 (Sunday) • 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Whittier Narrows Recreation Park, Group Picnic Area E-1
📍 750 S Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, California 91733 • PARKING: $7

2023年7月16日 (日)、午前11時〜午後4時
ホイッティアー•ナロウズ•パーク、レクリエーション•エリア E1

📍 750 S Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733 • 駐車料金:$7

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ボランティアが必要

Even if you’re only available for an hour or two, any help is greatly appreciated!
1 〜 2 時間しかできない場合でも、ご協力いただければ幸いです!

ABOUTREASONS TO ATTEND
PICNIC TIPSRAFFLE • PROGRAM


ABOUT 説明


The Okinawa Association of America (OAA) will host their Annual Members Picnic on July 16 (Sunday), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Whittier Narrows Recreation Park, Group Picnic Area E-1, South El Monte. Featuring live entertainment, games and races, raffle drawings, high school scholarship awards, and Okinawan-style Bon dancing, it’s the perfect event for reunions or a summer outing with loved ones. (Non-members are also encouraged to attend the event and apply for membership)

For many OAA members, the picnic is rooted in their family’s history. The gatherings were pioneered by early Okinawan immigrants in the 1930’s as a way to build fellowship and to joyously partake in their shared cultural heritage. The organizers later added a high school scholarship award to recognize the academic and service achievements of young Okinawans in the organization. The event has since become a multigenerational gathering centered around great company and the rich cultural heritage that unites the community.


REASONS TO ATTEND


☀️ Enjoy a summer outing with family and friends ☀️

🌺 Celebrate and connect with Okinawan culture 🌺

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 It’s a great space for reunions 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦

🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏽‍♀️ Fun games for all ages (with prizes!) 🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏽‍♀️

🎶 Cheer for local performers and scholarship recipients 🎶

🌺 The ONLY All-Okinawan Bon Dance in Southern California 🌺

💞 Continue a community tradition established by our parents,
grandparents, and great-grandparents in the 1930s 💞


PICNIC TIPS



Arrive early so you can pick the best place to sit (Note: If you are bringing a pop-up tent, please set up somewhere that will not obstruct the view of other guests)


For seniors and members with physical restrictions, utilize our free golf cart service to go from the parking lot to the picnic site. (Note: There will likely be waiting periods)

The on-site parking fee is $7 per car, so save money (and gas) by carpooling

Stay hydrated and visit our first aid station if you start to feel light-headed or ill

Listen for familiar and new Okinawan names, words, and phrases throughout the day


Learn the Okinawa-style Bon Dances ahead of time with our practice videos or by attending weekly practices at the OAA Center in Gardena


RAFFLE DRAWINGS ラッフル抽選会


ATTENDANCE NOT REQUIRED TO WIN!
賞品を獲得するためにイベントに参加する必要はありません!

If mailing your raffle order 注文を郵送する場合:
Please postmark by July 7 to ensure that your tickets arrive before the event.
The office will continue to accept orders until July 14 (Friday).

  • GRAND PRIZE: Toshiba 43″ 4K LED Smart TV
    Generously donated by Kamiya Insurance Agency
  • TOP PRIZE: $300 Cash
    Generously donated by Friends of OAA
  • More to be announced!


Ippee nifee deebiru (thank you very much)
to our generous raffle donors:



If you are interested in making a raffle prize donation, or a tax-deductible donation to the event, please mail in or contact the OAA Picnic Committee at oaa.giving@gmail.com or call the OAA Office at (310) 532-1929 to make arrangements.

イベントへのご寄付などをご検討される方は、ピクニック委員(oaa.giving@gmail.com)、またはOAAオフィス (310) 532-1929までご連絡いただけましたら幸いです。


PROGRAM プログラム

  • All-Okinawan Style Bon Dance 沖縄スタイル盆踊り
    Watch practice videos or attend weekly practices
  • Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko L.A. Branch 琉球國祭り太鼓ロスアンゼルス支部
  • Traditional Dance 琉球舞踊
  • Traditional Folk Music 琉球民謡
  • Games ゲーム
    Races, water balloon toss tournament, chinahichi (tug-of-war)
  • OAA High School Scholarship Awards 奨学金表彰式
  • Rajio Taiso in Uchinaaguchi (native Okinawan language)
    ウチナーグチ(沖縄語)でラジオ体操

2017 OAA Members Picnic, Scholarship Awards, Okinawan Bon Dance

Artwork by Teak Oliver

Okinawa Association of America’s Annual Members Picnic
Sunday, July 16 • 11AM ~ 4PM (opens @ 10) • Whittier Narrows Park

750 Santa Anita Avenue, Area E-1, South El Monte • On-site parking fee: $6

(Non-members are also encouraged to attend the event and apply for membership)

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PICNIC:
REASONS TO ATTEND & TIPS
SPONSORS
ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES
RAFFLE PRIZES
BENTO LUNCHES
BON DANCING
YOUTH ART CONTEST

Volunteers needed on July 15th and 16th. Click here to see the volunteer schedule and contact us to sign up: 310-532-1929, oaamensore@gmail.com

WHITTIER NARROWS MAP

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