Science wins: Orange County Chinese Association hosts it annual picnic after a year of COVID separation
Bear Mountain. The air was filled with joy and laughter at the group’s annual summer picnic, relieving the stress that COVID-19 brought to the Orange County Chinese Association community.
| 19 Jul 2021 | 09:12
The Orange County Chinese Association held its annual Bear Mountain picnic on July 17. Photo by Peter Shi.
Despite the blazing heat, volunteers helped to set up the tables, grills and prepare food for everyone to enjoy. Families brought homemade dishes, including baozi, kung pao chicken, gyoza, stir-fried noodles, sushi, pizza and much more.
The best part was everyone being able to see each other again. People greeted each other with warm hugs and handshakes, all were delighted to see old friends again.
With new regulations and COVID-19 restrictions lifted, the Orange County Chinese Association was able to safely host its annual Bear Mountain picnic on July 17.
On this hot blazing day, everyone headed toward the picnic area, eager to see friends and family.
The glistening lake stretched out in front of the picnic area and the meat on the grill sent a pleasant scent that wafted through the air.
The best part was everyone being able to see each other again. People greeted each other with warm hugs and handshakes, all were delighted to see old friends again.
Despite the blazing heat, volunteers helped to set up the tables, grills, and prepare food for everyone to enjoy. Families brought homemade dishes, including baozi, kung pao chicken, gyoza, stir-fried noodles, sushi, pizza and much more.
The OCCA gave a big “thank you” to Gary Zhang ,who helped in preparing more than 80 pounds of BBQ meat, allowing for a steady stream of mouth-watering food for people to eat.
Along with the food was also an array of refreshing drinks to wash it all down.
After filling up on the wide variety of delicious foods, there were plenty of activities to be offered. As the adults caught up, children went about playing badminton, tug-of-war, and riding paddle boats in the peaceful lake.
People also took walks around the beautiful park or relaxed by the lake to soak up the radiant sun.
The air was filled with joy and laughter, relieving the stress that COVID-19 brought to the community. There was a sense of camaraderie, creating a heart-warming moment for all individuals after enduring the rough times this pandemic has created.
This picnic is a milestone in within the Orange County Chinese Association because it symbolizes the resilience of members to this challenge.
This is the first of many in-person OCCA events to come. The coronavirus is not enough to take us down because the vaccine brings us back together. Science wins.