Irvine Celebrates Vietnamese Culture at OC Archives Bazaar

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Community members gather at the OC Archives Bazaar to celebrate Vietnamese culture and history.

News Summary

The annual OC Archives Bazaar took place at the Great Park in Irvine, celebrating the Vietnamese community’s history. The event coincided with the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, featuring exhibits, children’s activities, and discussions with local artists. Attendees enjoyed engaging activities and a unique cookbook showcasing culinary traditions, emphasizing the theme of ‘home’ in the Vietnamese community. This year’s bazaar served as a reminder of the importance of cultural celebrations in strengthening community ties and enriching local heritage.

Irvine Celebrates Culture at OC Archives Bazaar

This past Sunday, the Great Park in Irvine buzzed with excitement, as the annual OC Archives Bazaar rolled into town. It was a heartwarming gathering, celebrating the richness of the Vietnamese community and shining a spotlight on the captivating history of Orange County. This year marked the fifth annual event and was particularly special as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. The fall of this iconic city back in 1975 led to an influx of tens of thousands of Vietnamese refugees who found a new home in Orange County, giving rise to what we now know as Little Saigon.

Exploring Local History

The Bazaar was brimming with activities centered around local history, creating a perfect blend of fun and education for attendees of all ages. There were engaging exhibits, insightful presentations, and a myriad of delightful children’s activities that made this event a family affair. One particularly unique activity was a collage project led by local artist Giang Tran and her adorable 4-year-old granddaughter, Gracelyn Ly. This hands-on activity allowed kids to express themselves creatively while learning about their heritage.

Little Lucy Pittillo, just 4 months old, also made an appearance at the bazaar with her mother, Natalie Pittillo. What a lovely way for families to connect and make memories while learning about their community’s history!

A Taste of History

A highlight of the day was Frank Lopez, a digital archives processor from UC Irvine, who wowed the crowd with a special cookbook showcasing recipes from the university’s vast special collections. Among the treasures displayed was a 1940s Sunkist Orange cookbook, which drew in food lovers and history buffs alike. This was more than just a glimpse into the culinary traditions of the past; it was a look into the heart of what makes a community thrive.

Moreover, attendees were treated to an exquisite collection of original Southeast Asian art on display by UC Irvine, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the rich artistic expressions that stem from the Vietnamese culture.

The Idea of Home

This year’s theme focused on the poignant “idea of home,” reflecting the experiences and stories of Orange County’s Vietnamese community. Participants had the chance to indulge in a variety of family activities, from making zines to delightful Vietnamese storytime sessions. These interactive sessions brought families together, nurturing a sense of belonging and understanding of their shared heritage.

As the day unfolded, attendees were enriched by engaging discussions with talented artists, including Vietnamese American artists Tiffany Le and Thao-Vy Nguyen, who were present to share their unique perspectives and talent. Their discussions added a deeper layer to the event, allowing guests to reflect on their own identities.

Community Connections

The OC Archives Bazaar was made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of organizations like OC Archives in Action, Anaheim Public Library, Cal State Fullerton’s Pollak Library, and UCI Libraries. It was truly a community-centric event that demonstrated how local initiatives can help enrich and support the fabric of our society.

In addition to these vibrant activities, the event was perfectly aligned with the recent exhibition at the Great Park Gallery titled “More Than You Can Chew.” This exhibition echoed the event’s declared intention to offer a deep dive into history and art, further enhancing the overall experience for past and future generations to learn from.

A Reflective Celebration

The OC Archives Bazaar proved to be a day full of joy, learning, laughter, and a bit of nostalgia. It was yet another reminder of how important cultural celebrations can be in strengthening community bonds and honoring the stories that shape who we are. As visitors left with smiles on their faces and plenty of new knowledge, it was clear that this annual event has carved out a special place in the hearts of the Irvine community.