News: Janet D’Souza

Pics: Cynthia Lewis

Toronto, Jul 3: Anxious eyes scanned the weather network and frantic looks were turned towards the skies trying to read between the clouds as every prediction called for rain on June 24.

Despite dire predictions, the day turned out to be relatively sunny with a slight breeze and some downpours and uplifted the spirits and moods of all who attended. Brave and eager people came in droves to attend the annual get-together organized by the Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) on June 24 at the Meadowvale Conservation Park, Mississauga. Children, parents, seniors and youth brought their picnic baskets, umbrellas, soccer balls and most of all, their enthusiasm and liveliness.

With a prayer and an opening address from Maxim D’Mello, president of MAC and blaring megaphone announcements, the festivities began with a game for seniors who displayed their aim and mettle at Bean Toss. Next was a game for young kids with Passing the Parcel. The Obstacle race, Sack race, Lemon and Spoon race and the 3-legged race tested the agility and balance of the teenagers who hopped, straggled or ran towards the finish line. There were many who fell but buoyed by shouts of encouragement from the sidelines, they picked themselves up and finished the race. Not to be left out, moms, dads and kids participated wholeheartedly in the Family Relay, perhaps reliving their youth and to prove that they are as capable and agile as the younger generation.

It was then time for lunch. After a prayer expressing gratitude to God for bringing together 300 plus people in love and harmony and good weather, people helped themselves to a melange of dishes. Ranging from samosas to butter chicken, pasta to salad, everyone enjoyed a quiet meal with family and friends. Vorn, a delicacy of Mangaluru, was generously served and thoroughly relished by all. The second round of activities ensued with MAC members selling tickets for a round of Bingo. Sweet, luscious and juicy watermelon cleansed the palates and provided a cool respite to the afternoon heat.

The main focus of the event was to bring the community together, make new friends and have fun in a family setting. In every game, there are winners and losers but at the MAC picnic, there were no losing teams. The volley ball and throw ball games generated great competitive and friendly spirits as spectator’s yelled encouragement to the teams. People participated wholeheartedly and enjoyed an aggressive game of throw ball and volleyball. The Water Balloon Throw is one of the most popular organized games among all people and this year, there was a serpentine queue of participants. As the line up was formed, participants coached their partners on throwing and catching techniques. With much yelling and screaming and at the blow of the whistle, the balloons broke and drenched the unfortunate but the lucky winners were the ones who were able to successfully catch the water balloon without breaking it. The Tug O War contest is elevated to an Olympic sport at the MAC picnic as men and women gird their loins and put in their best effort. Men and women, children and teens did not hesitate to form teams and in a show of unity heave themselves to victory and the other team to defeat.

With a traditional cuppa ‘chai’ and biscuits, people sat in the shade ready for a round of Bingo and once done, it was finally time to wind down a fun filled day of incessant activity and games. As the sun set over the horizon and the youth played their last games, tired yet satiated people folded their umbrellas, packed their belongings and left content, smiling and happy to mingle with old friends, share a gossip or two or just soak in the sun with fellow Mangalureans. MAC was tremendously successful in its objective to bring the community together, provide a venue to meet and mingle and offer opportunities for our youth to have a day of fun yet show initiative and leadership.

The Mangalorean Association of Canada appreciates the tremendous efforts and time expended by its members, families and the volunteers. Without each one’s contributions, the get-together would not have been the successful event it was.