On a sunny Saturday with a few clouds, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, Inc. (BCNC) held the 25th Annul Oak Street Fair on September 25th. BCNC is an organization that enriches the quality of life in the community by providing resources and support.
During the three-hour period, entertainment, activities, games were plentiful. One could hear the scream and shouts of laughter from children having fun. According to Lisa Choi, a parent attending the event with her two kids, called the event, “the perfect Saturday fair.”
Entertainment included a variety of performances. The BCNC Acorn Center for Early Education and Care performed several songs that were adored by the crowd. Zhou Hong Liang gave a Tai Chi demonstration. One might think that Tai Chi is practiced for defense, but it is also beneficial to the health. Other performances included Children Chinese Folk Dance by the Boston Chinese Folk and classical Dance Troupe, Taiko Drumming, a Japanese drum, by Genki Spark, and breakdancing by Krazy 88s. Every single performance left the audience in awe.
The fair was full of activities for families to enjoy. There were sushi making lessons with brown rice, food art with vegetables, calligraphy, drawing, animal balloons, etc. In addition, there was a table by the New England aquarium that allowed people to touch a variety of species. The activities were not only entertainment, but also included health awareness. There were tables for dental screening and blood pressure screening.
The highlight of the event was the watermelon eating contest. The contest had different age groups, age 5 to 8, age 9 to 12, age 13 to 16, and one for all ages. The winners received a $25 gift certificate to China Pearl.
Furthermore, there were celebrity appearances by Elmo from Sesame Street and by George from Curious George. Children and families were given the opportunity for a meet and greet. There was also a photographer to take pictures with these characters.
It was the perfect event to attend in this perfect eighty degree weather.
Diana Li is a Sampan correspondent.
