On the evening of June 21st, the Northern California Chinese Alumni Association Union held its annual midsummer dance at the Foster City Crowne Plaza. This year’s event had a “Cowboy Night” theme, attracting over 500 alumni from various schools, representatives from the overseas Chinese community, and local residents. Many guests arrived wearing cowboy hats, cowboy boots, or western-style attire, creating a lively atmosphere filled with summer night celebrations and festivity.
The event kicked off at 5 p.m. with karaoke singing. The President of the Northern California Chinese Alumni Association Union, Ma Qianjun, expressed in her speech that they had initially expected around 500 attendees, but the actual turnout exceeded expectations, demonstrating the strong support from alumni and the overseas Chinese community for the event. She mentioned that it coincided with Father’s Day in the United States, with many families and friends gathering to enjoy the event. She extended her blessings to all fathers for a happy and healthy holiday and expressed gratitude to the volunteer team, directors, and supporters for making the dance possible.
Deputy Director Zhu Yongchang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco stated that the alumni association is a significant organization within the Bay Area’s overseas Chinese community, known for its tradition, large membership, and distinctive characteristics. The midsummer dance not only provided an opportunity for everyone to showcase their creativity, dress up, and interact but also highlighted the unity and vitality of the overseas Chinese community.
Zhuang Yashu, director of the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, mentioned that the alumni association has long united alumni from various schools. This year’s theme of “Cowboy Night,” symbolizing bravery, adventure, and realizing dreams, reflects the spirit of the overseas Chinese community’s endeavors and community service in the Bay Area over the years.
Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee was also present at the event. He greeted the attendees in both Chinese and English, humorously encouraging everyone to dance freely on Cowboy Night, eliciting applause and cheers throughout the venue.
The evening’s program was rich and diverse, with performances by the Love 99 band, special acts interspersed within, including “A Better Tomorrow” presented by former presidents of the alumni association and “The Rose Life of Cowboys” performed by the board of directors. From group dances to cowboy-themed performances and classic tunes, guests enjoyed a lively and joyous midsummer night immersed in music and dance.
Guests at the event responded enthusiastically. Yang Shangzhong, attending for the first time and recently relocated to San Mateo, felt the warmth and joy of the Bay Area’s overseas Chinese community activities, saying, “I will come whenever there’s a fun event.” Accountant Lin Zhaoyue noted that this year’s theme was very creative, with everyone dressed in various cowboy outfits, creating a more enthusiastic and energetic atmosphere compared to previous years. The performers were also deeply involved, making the entire dance party dynamic and vibrant.