The picnic features activities for all ages, including Bon Odori.
Umanchu OAA Picnic uti majun ashibibusan! (We want to have fun with everyone at the OAA Picnic!)
The Okinawa Association of America (OAA) will host their Annual Members Picnic on Sunday, July 20, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in South El Monte.
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of community, culture, and summer fun, including live performances, games, raffle drawings, and Hawaii-style Okinawa Bon Odori. Non-OAA members are also welcome and encouraged to 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 1930s 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 picnic has since become a multigenerational event centered around community and connecting with Okinawan culture.
Enjoy games throughout the day, including a water balloon toss tournament, relay races, tama-ire (popular beanbag toss game in Japan), and more; prizes awarded to all child participants while supplies last. The picnic will conclude with the much-anticipated chinahichi (tug-of-war); age restrictions apply.
Picnic-goers can also enjoy and cheer on local talent during the entertainment program. From traditional dances and folk music to the dynamic Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko drum-dancing group (celebrating their 30th anniversary), this is one of the few annual events in Southern California that spotlights the diverse culture of the Ryūkyū Islands.
The festivities will culminate with Bon Odori, a community dance circle that is performed in honor of our uyafaafuji (ancestors). Audience members of all ages are invited to join, and no experience is necessary as the movements are repetitive and easy to follow.
The OAA’s Hawaii-style Okinawa Bon Odori is unique in that all of the songs are Okinawan, and live music will be provided by sanshin (traditional three-stringed lute) and paarankuu (hand drum) musicians.
Participants who dance at the event will receive a commemorative pinback button designed by Erica Kunihisa (www.linktr.ee/ekunihisa) while supplies last.
In-person dance practices to be held on Saturdays at 2 p.m. (July 5, 12, 19); more information and practice videos: oaamensore.org/bondance.
There will be raffle drawings throughout the day with great prizes (attendance not required to win). One grand prize winner will take home a 43” Toshiba LED 4K Smart TV generously donated by Kamiya Insurance Agency. Other prizes include two Loge tickets to the Dodgers vs. Phillies game (Sept. 17), gift cards, and more.
Basket raffle prizes (attendance required) include Dodgers tickets, five-day/four-night stay for two at California Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas (generously donated by Boyd Gaming), Hello Kitty gift basket, and more. All proceeds will benefit the OAA.
The picnic will be held at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, Group Picnic Area, 750 S. Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte (if using smartphone map: 622 Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte). Parking (cash only) is $7 per car, $5 for seniors 65+ or disabled persons with placard. Golf cart service from parking to event site available for members with physical restrictions.
Food not provided. No alcohol, smoking, or pets permitted (except for service animals). Gates open at 10:30 a.m. Raffle tickets ($1) are available for pre-order at www.oaamensore.org/picnic or by calling (310) 532-1929.
Volunteers needed on July 19 and 20: www.tinyurl.com/oaapicnicvolunteer25 (service hours available for students).
The OAA would like to say ippee nifee deebiru (thank you very much) to this year’s Gold Level sponsors, Kamiya Insurance Agency and Uyehara Travel, for their generous support.
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