OCA July 4th Picnic
By John Chin
July 11, 2000

The Organization of Chinese Americans, Denver Chapter, held its annual 4^th of July picnic. As last year, the site of the picnic was the Girl Scout Shelter in Broomfield. Attendees at the picnic came from all parts of the metro area. In previous years, the picnic was held in the southwest part of the Denver metroplex, but the Broomfield site was considered more convenient for OCA members and friends from all parts of Denver and Boulder.

The OCA picnic is one of the chapter’s long-standing traditions. Other traditional events include the Chinese New Year Dinner held in conjunction with the Japanese American Citizen’s League and the August Luau.

Chin, Denver Chapter President, announced that this year the luau is scheduled for Sunday, August 13^th. As usual, the luau will feature authentic Hawaiian foods and entertainment. The pig will be placed in the cooking pit the evening before. All are welcome to participate in the pig roast. The luau has been part of OCA’s activities for about 20 years due to the efforts of Ted and Nettie Zen. This will be the final luau sponsored by OCA. There is no charge for the luau, but bring a covered dish to share. Chin wanted to thank Ted and Nettie Zen for their years of service and commitment to OCA.

Chin also announced that OCA is one of the sponsors along with the Chinese American Council of Colorado and the Hung Mei Pai Kung Fu Association of the Dragon Festival on Saturday, September 16 at the Fillmore Plaza in Cherry Creek. The Festival is the kick-off event to establish the 2001 Dragon Boat Festival featuring Dragon Boat races. Vendors and volunteers are needed. Please contact John for more details.

John Chin is President of the Organization of Chinese Americans, Denver chapter. OCA is dedicated to "embracing the hopes and aspirations of Chinese and Asian Pacific Americans in the United States." Founded in 1973, OCA has 77 chapters and affiliates. OCA maintains its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The next OCA event will be the Annual OCA Luau on Saturday August 13th. Bring a covered dish to share. Please contact John Chin at johnchin@att.net or (303) 693-2722 for more information. For more on OCA, go to http://www.ocanatl.org.