CHICAGO: The Mangalorean Konkan Christians Association of Chicago conducted its 14th annual picnic at the Cynthia Peterson Park of Vernon Hills. It was a mild day with lots of sun and a cool breeze, and not to mention the great food and drinks provided by the members of MKCA and their well-wishers.
The Picnic was initiated by a welcome speech from the President of the association, Vissia D’Souza. She thanked all the participants for their presence, and especially the planning committee for their great efforts in organizing this annual activity so well. The participants loved to play the famous pass-time of the Indian masses, cricket.
Children and youth enjoyed volleyball. Others tried to wrestle on mild winds while playing shuttle badminton. Children, youth and old alike enjoyed playing Bean Bag Toss. Youth at times enjoyed passing time playing short spurts of American football, soccer and frisbee. Children and adults loved to play Piñata. When the Piñata finally broke, a variety of chocolates spilled the ground and children rushed to the spot to grab their share!
There were a lot of games and competitions arranged by the organizers, under the chairpersons of the planning committee, Shannon Mascarenhas and Rose Mascarenhas. Following participants won prizes: Passing the Parcel (1-6 years old) – Olivia Quadros, winner and Karen Quadros, runner-up. Lemon and Spoon Race (7-12 years old) – Keira Martis, winner and Logan Quadros, runner-up.
Sack Race (13-19 years old) – Jason Mendonca, winner and Jovan Monteiro, runner-up. Women’s Sack Race – Charamaine Fernandes, winner and Vissia D’Souza, runner-up. Men’s Sack Race – Allen Martis, winner and Sean Wagers, runner-up.
All the participants had great fun in participating in open to all activities of Tug-of-war, Water Balloon Toss and Dog-n-Bone.
The participants enjoyed a sumptuous picnic lunch, which consisted of authentic South Indian dishes combined with local menu items, which were tailor made for the picnic. There were a variety of desserts prepared by the members present.
Stany DSouza
