July 2026 Newsletter
Fresh on the Boat &
Into the Race!
On June 27, the Asian District Cultural Association made a splash by competing in the Stars & Stripes River Festival at Riversport for the very first time!
Representing ADCA & Bungalow23 was our unforgettable team, Fresh On the Boat (aka FOB). While we may not have paddled our way to a medal this year, we definitely won in team spirit, laughs, and making memories. From finding our rhythm on the water to cheering each other on, it was an incredible experience.
Every champion has a first race, and we're already looking forward to coming back stronger (and maybe a little more synchronized!) next year. Watch out, 2027!
A huge thank you to our amazing paddlers & drummer:
Randy Aspell
Cassie Fluitt
Jonathan Garcia
Davis Le
Lanchi Le
Steve Le
Troung Le
Vivian Le
Kirby Shao
Allison Tien
Mario Zamora
Thank you for embracing the adventure, representing our community with pride, and proving that even if we didn't cross the finish line first, we certainly had the most fun doing it. See you on the water next year!
🌈Walking with Pride
On June 28, the Asian District Cultural Association proudly participated in the OKC Pride Alliance PrideFest Parade for the very first time! Our board members, family, and friends gathered in downtown Oklahoma City before making our way to Scissortail Park.
Decked out in smiles, colorful gear, and plenty of community spirit, we had an amazing time connecting with thousands of Oklahomans while proudly representing the Asian District.
Thank you to everyone who walked, waved, cheered, and celebrated with us. We can't wait to do it again next year! 🌈
District Dessert Tour with OCU’s Emerging Stars Summer Academy
From July 13–16, Oklahoma City University's Emerging Stars Summer Academy welcomed high school students for an immersive college experience hosted by OCU's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Throughout the week, students explored all seven of OCU's colleges, discovering potential career paths and gaining a firsthand look at college life. To wrap up the academy, students participated in the annual District Dessert Tour, visiting the different districts like Plaza, Uptown and Asian District to learn about their history, community impact, volunteer opportunities, and OCU's connections within each district—all while enjoying a sweet treat from a local business.
ShareTea was one of the dessert stops, giving students a chance to experience onf ot he many local businesses in the Asian District! Students gathered at the "We Have Arrived" Boat Art Installation, where ADCA Executive Director Steve Le shared the story of the district's rich history, the resilience of refugee communities, and the vision behind the boat installation as a symbol of hope, perseverance, and new beginnings.
We are grateful to Oklahoma City University for continuing to invest in the next generation of leaders and for helping students discover the stories, cultures, and communities that make Oklahoma City so unique. We look forward to welcoming future Emerging Stars back to the Asian District!
Behind the Scenes: Getting Festival-Ready!
The countdown to the Asian Night Market Festival is officially on!
On July 15, members of the Asian Night Market Planning Committee rolled up their sleeves and gathered at our storage unit for one of the least glamorous, but most important, parts of festival planning: inventory day.
Together, we cleaned, organized, and counted the supplies that help bring the festival to life on October 2–3. From hauling heavy tents and sandbags to reorganizing the storage unit for maximum efficiency, it was hours filled with plenty of sweat, heavy lifting, and teamwork.
A huge thank you to our incredible committee members who donated their time and muscles to help us prepare. Events like the Asian Night Market Festival don't just happen over one weekend—they're built through months of planning and the dedication of volunteers working behind the scenes.
We're one step closer to welcoming everyone back for another unforgettable festival this October!
Senior Day Out Luncheon at Golden Palace
On July 25, 32 seniors gathered at Golden Palace for a wonderful afternoon of good food, great conversation, and meaningful connection during the Senior Day Out Luncheon.
Guests enjoyed Golden Palace's delicious buffet while catching up with old friends and making new ones. The luncheon was filled with laughter, shared stories, and the warm sense of community that has always been at the heart of the Asian District.
The monthly luncheon is organized by the Gold Dome Multicultural Society (GDMS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the well-being, connection, and dignity of older adults in and around the Asian District. Many of the seniors served by GDMS today are immigrant Americans who helped establish and shape the Asian District decades ago, making these gatherings an important way to honor their contributions while fostering continued community and belonging.
A special thank you to Lisa Cheng and Dr. Irene Lam for their leadership and dedication to creating opportunities for our seniors to connect, celebrate, and thrive. We are grateful for all they do to ensure that the pioneers of our community remain an integral part of the Asian District's story.
Classen Corridor Survey
The City of Oklahoma City is planning for the future of the Classen corridor, the stretch of Classen Boulevard from NW 10th Street to NW 48th Street. This survey asks how you travel the corridor today, what works, and what doesn’t.
Your input will help shape the plan and the priorities for transportation, development, and public investment along Classen. The survey takes only a few minutes, and your responses are anonymous.
STAY TUNED— MORE EVENTS SOON!
Cheers to a great year ahead,
Asian District Cultural Association
