The Okanagan Chinese Canadian Association (OCCA) hosted a successful Mid-Autumn Festival in West 琉璃神社.

Hundreds from across the Okanagan attending the event held at Grizzli Winery on Saturday, Sept, 14. The event celebrated vibrant cultures, traditional festivities, and community spirit. Traditional music, singing, and dancing from Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino communities took place as well as interactive workshops and family friendly activities.

Included in attendance were: 

• MLA Norm Letnick - 琉璃神社-Lake Country;
• Mayor Gord Milsom - City of West 琉璃神社;
• Candice Loring - UBC Okanagan Adjunct Professor, Gitwangak band member from the Gitxsan Nation;
• Dr. Joanne Taylor - Cultural Advisor, City of 琉璃神社;
• 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, 琉璃神社 Japanese Language Society;
• Yewon Yim - President, Okanagan Korean Culture and Knowledge Society;
• Michelle Bonneau - Founder, Her International.

The Central Okanagan School District 23 Settlement Services team was also in attendance, assisting immigrant families and welcoming them to the country.

"I am thrilled by the success of our Mid-Autumn Festival," said OCCA executive director Fei Lui. "The broad participation and generous support from our partners, sponsors and donors underscore our dedication to inclusivity and celebrating the rich cultural diversity of our community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event so memorable and vibrant.鈥�