Okinawa Association Invites Families for Community, Culture, and Summer Fun at Okinawa Picnic at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area in Southe El Monte Sunday, July 19, 11AM-4PM
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 July 19 (Sunday), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 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 All Okinawa-style Bon Dance. (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 1930’s 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 bean bag toss game in Japan), and more; prizes awarded to all child participants while supplies last.
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, 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 All Okinawa-style Bon Odori is unique in that all of the songs are Okinawan and live music will be provided by sanshin (traditional 3-stringed lute) and paarankuu (hand drum) musicians. Participants who dance at the event will receive a commemorative pinback button designed by Rachael Imes (shopmegumi.com) while supplies last. In-person practices to be held on July 11 and 18 (Saturdays) at 2 p.m.; more information and practice videos: oaamensore.org/bondance.
There will be raffle drawings throughout the day with great prizes (attendance not required to win!). The grand prize winner will take home a 43” Toshiba QLED 4K Smart TV generously donated by Kamiya Insurance Agency. All proceeds benefit the OAA.
The picnic will be held at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, Group Picnic Area, 750 Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte 91733 (if using smartphone map: 622 Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte). Parking (cash only) $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: oaamensore.org/picnic, (310) 532-1929. Volunteers needed on July 18 and 19: tinyurl.com/oaapicnicvolunteer26 (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 Keiro and golf cart sponsor Uyehara Travel for their generous support.
The Okinawa Association of America, Inc. (OAA) is an award-winning 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and perpetuating Okinawan culture in the greater Los Angeles area. Formed by first generation immigrants (issei) over a century ago, the OAA has grown into a multi-generational organization that hosts numerous events throughout the year including cultural presentations, performances, and senior-focused activities.
The OAA’s decades of service have garnered accolades including the 2025 Community Organization Recognition Award (Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California), 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year (nominated by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, 66th District) and 2019 Frances K. Hashimoto Community Service Award (Nisei Week Foundation). OAA leaders have also been recognized by the Okinawa Prefectural Government as Overseas Goodwill Ambassadors and Next Generation Representatives.