OCCA's Mid-Autumn Festival Draws Hundreds from Central Okanagan
West Kelowna, BC – September 14, 2024
The OCCA Communities Association is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its Mid-Autumn Festival, held on September 14, 2024, at Grizzili Winery. With several hundred participants from across Central Okanagan, including Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Salmon Arm, Peachland, and Lake Country, the event was a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, community spirit, and traditional festivities.
Event Highlights
The 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival, hosted by the OCCA Communities Association, began with an exciting Dragon and Lion show, setting a festive mood. The Opening Ceremony featured remarks from distinguished guests including MLA Norm Letnick, Mayor Gord Milsom, and Candice Loring, as well as letters from MP Dan Albas and MP Tracy Gray, who were engaged in Ottawa.
The event highlighted a diverse range of performances, including traditional dances, singing, and music from Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino communities, as well as contributions from participants from diverse backgrounds, including Canadian poet Fern G. Z. Carr.
Attendees enjoyed interactive workshops on mooncake making and tasting, tea art demonstrations, calligraphy, traditional painting, and Go chess. Family-friendly activities included lantern decorating, lantern riddles, two-themed photo booths, diverse cultural exhibits, ring toss, face painting, and prize draws. The Central Okanagan School District 23 Settlement Services team was also on-site to assist immigrant families, further enhancing the festival’s inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
Acknowledgment
• Distinguished Guests:
MLA Norm Letnick - Kelowna-Lake Country
Mayor Gord Milsom - City of West Kelowna
Candice Loring - UBC Okanagan Adjunct Professor, Gitwangak band member from the Gitxsan Nation
Dr. Joanne Taylor - Cultural Advisor, City of Kelowna
Abbie Norrish - Central Okanagan Foundation
Naomi Woodland - United Way BC
Magda Kapp - United Way BC
Bella Fermin - President, Okanagan Filipino Canadian Society
Elna Von Dach - Chair of Folkfest, Founder of Okanagan Filipino Canadian Society
Akiko Yoshizawa - President, Kelowna Japanese Language Society
Yewon Yim - President, Okanagan Korean Culture and Knowledge Society
Michelle Bonneau - Founder, Her International
• Event Emcees: Trinity Lai, Natalia Wolf, Silver Leung
• Sponsors: Grizzili Winery, Enze Pro HVAC, Aptex, Mr. Lu Restaurant, Ancient
Alternatives Okanagan, and Canada Sea Air Logistics Inc.
• Supporting organizations: Okanagan Filipino Canadian Society, Kelowna Japanese
Language Society, Okanagan Korean Culture and Knowledge Society, Africa Ubuntu
Association Okanagan, Age-Link Society, Her International, Central Okanagan School
District #23
Fun Moment
