Annual Okinawa Picnic & Bon Odori 2015 (Live Entertainment, Kids Games & Races, Raffle Drawings, & Bon Dancing)NEW

On Sunday, July 12, 11AM ~ 4PM, the Okinawa Association of America (OAA) will host its Annual Members Picnic at Whittier Narrows Park (750 Santa Anita Ave., Area E-1, South El Monte). Featuring live entertainment, kids games and races, raffle drawings, and Bon dancing, it's a perfect place for reunions or a Sunday outing with family and friends! (Non-members are also encouraged to attend and apply for membership at the picnic)

Reasons to attend the picnic:

• Great place for reunions
• Free drink and snow cone (while supplies last)
• Free hot dogs for kids under 10 (while supplies last)
• Raffle tickets are only $1 each
• Games and races for all ages with prizes
• Performances from local and international guests
• The only Okinawa-style Bon dance in Los Angeles

The picnic has been a tradition for OAA members since the 1930′s, bringing together hundreds of local Okinawans and Okinawans-at-heart. Over the years, the OAA expanded this event with the addition of its high school scholarship awards and the only Okinawa-style Bon dance in Los Angeles. The dancing includes 7 distinct choreographies with live music by sanshin musicians and eisaa drummers.

In addition to traditional Okinawan performing arts and karate, this year's entertainment will feature a very special guest from Okinawa: Banjo Ai is an up-and-coming artist who performs original and traditional Okinawan folk songs in the style of American country and bluegrass. The program will also feature a local favorite: Kalyn Aolani Oshiro is a 16-year-old singer/multi-instrumentalist specializing in traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music.

Bring your family and friends, lawn chairs, blankets, and happi coats to Whittier Narrows Park for this year's OAA Picnic! The event opens at 10AM and the program is 11AM ~ 4PM. On-site parking costs $6. Optional bento lunches ($10) and raffle tickets ($1) can be pre-ordered by contacting the OAA office at 310-532-1929 or oaa.mensore@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ON JULY 11 AND JULY 12
July 11 - https://www.facebook.com/events/1588051388121242