Chicago: The Mangalorean Konkan Christians Association had its annual picnic at the Vernon Hills Tennis Court Shelter. It was a bright, sunny summer day with lush green grass all around the park grounds.
The program started with the youth playing Cricket and Volleyball. There was a sumptuous luncheon arranged by the MKCA members and there were mouth watering menu items from both Mangalorean and local origins. The participants enjoyed a variety of refreshments to quench their thirst.
There were competitions arranged for children as well as adults. In the kids (under 7) Musical Chairs Justin Carvalho was the winner and Arian D’Souza was the runner-up. In the Kids 7 – 12 year age group, Isabel D’Souza was the winner in the Lemon n Spoon Race, and Karen Rodrigues was the runner-up. In the teenage group, Jason Mendonca was the winner in the Sack Race, and Jovan Monteiro was the runner-up. In ladies’ Sack Race, Cynthia Rodrigues was the winner and Sabrina D’Souza was the runner-up. In men’s Sack Race, Joey Mendonca was the winner and Ravi Singh was the runner-up.
Apart from this there was Tug-of-war for children, youth and for adults and Water Balloon Throw competition, which was open to all. After Water Balloon Throw, there were hundreds of balloons brought by the members, which were all grabbed by all young and adults to hit each other. The participants enjoyed this impromptu activity thoroughly and drenched lot of participants with cold water. As the picnic progressed participants enjoyed the volley ball, shuttle badminton, bean bags throw and Cricket games.
The participants enjoyed a variety of snacks arranged by the organizing committee along with coffee, tea, lemonade, ice cream and other drinks. The President of the Association Steven D’Souza distributed the prizes for the winners. This program went on record as a memorable one.
