 Spreading joy
Mehregan celebrations in Orange County, California
By Hossein Hosseini
October 28, 2003
The Iranian
This year's Mehregan Festival attracted thousands
of people to Southern California. Organized by NIPOC --
Network of Iranian-American
Professionals of Orange County -- the 8th annual event was perhaps
the largest Iranian Mehregan gathering in the United States.
While we don't
have the
final
count
yet, the estimates are that over 10,000 visitors attended the
two-day family event on October 4-5 at the Orange
County Fair & Exposition Center in Costa Mesa.
Mehregan is a community event where hundreds
of volunteers donate their time and talents to its success. All
proceeds are used for future Mehregan celebrations, other cultural
events, and student scholarships >>> Photos
There were plenty of activities for young
and old including traditional music, dance, arts and Crafts,
traditional sports, pop
music, and of course exotic Persian food from various kaebabs
to a vendor selling "Ashe Khaleh".
Entertainers on the main stage included Nooshafrin,
Black Cats, Ali Daniel, Pyruz & The Romantics, and Helen.
The legendary Ardavan Mofid kept the crowd happy with his Naghali,
and the dance group
Naynava, directed by Shida Pegahi performed outstanding tradional
dances.
One area which has always been a crowd favorite
was the Tea House. This area was decorated by several tables
covered by kilims,
reminding people of old tea houses in mountain tops near
Tehran.
There was also dance and singing contests,
poetry reading, carnival games, a play house for children, ceramic
and pottery work, a performance by clown and magic star Yu-Gi-Oh,
Iranian cartoons, painting, handicrafts, face painting,
and balloons.
A Persian heritage center was set up to display
various cultural aspects of Iran's provinces
and peoples, including
Assyrians, Azerbaijanis, Qashqaies, Gilanis, Isfahanis, Kermanis,
and Khuzestanis. Also, prime examples of Iranian Cinema, literature,
and sports were highlighted.
Influential
American and Iranian community leaders (more
than 120) were treated to fine Iranian
hospitality in the the VIP
Tent and introduced to the rich
culture of Iran.
Despite the large crowd, the
local sheriff's department was amazed at how peaceful the event
had been.
This was
a great opportunity for us to overcome the constant negative
images portrayed in the American media about Iran and
Iranians.
We rely on many volunteers to
help us make the Mehregan Festival an enjoyable experience for
all. If you are interested in participating in future events,
email us at info@nipoc.org >>> Photos
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