Tastes of Togetherness: Celebrating the Second-Year of Unity and Diversity at the Engineers' Picnic in Manitoba

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The second-year picnic for engineers in Manitoba was once again a massive

success. It was a fantastic celebration of cultural diversity and community spirit

held in the beautiful Assiniboine Park. It was heartwarming to see engineers

from Filipino, Chinese, Indian, Arab, Ethiopian-Eritrean, and Nigerian backgrounds

come together again for a day filled with laughter, delicious food, and camaraderie.

 

Culinary Highlights: One of the standout features was, without a doubt, the lechon—a whole roasted pig that captivated everyone's taste buds. The crispy skin and tender meat instantly sparked conversations about family traditions and cultural significance. The Indian contribution of flavorful biryani and crispy samosas added a delightful touch, bringing aromatic spices and comforting textures to the table. We also enjoyed various dishes from other cultures, including spicy Nigerian jollof rice and Ethiopian injera. Sharing these meals created a warm and inviting atmosphere, fostering connections over food.

 

Fun Activities: The picnic included engaging activities for all ages. The bouncy castle was a huge hit, drawing laughter and excitement from kids and adults alike. It was great to see everyone let loose and enjoy some playful competition. The henna tattoo station, designed exclusively for women, allowed them to decorate their hands with beautiful designs, adding a personal and cultural touch to the day. Meanwhile, the sweet scent of cotton candy wafted through the park, delighting attendees and evoking nostalgic childhood memories.

 

Excitement of Raffle Prizes and 50/50 Draw: The raffle prizes and the 50/50 draw added to the excitement. Everyone eagerly anticipated the chance to win fantastic prizes, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as their names were drawn. The 50/50 draw added an extra thrill, with the winner walking away with a nice cash prize. It was a fantastic way to engage everyone and enhance the community as we cheered for the lucky winners.

 

Building Connections: The day wasn't just about the food and games; it was a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers and share our experiences as engineers. The relaxed environment allowed genuine conversations about our journeys, challenges, and aspirations. Many participants expressed how refreshing it was to meet others with similar backgrounds and interests, reinforcing the importance of inclusivity in engineering.

 

Looking Forward: Overall, the picnic was an overwhelming success, celebrating the rich diversity of our community. It left everyone feeling inspired and eager for future gatherings. I'm excited to see how these connections will develop as we continue to support and uplift each other in our engineering journeys.

 

Thank you to the organizers for creating such a meaningful event—it was a memorable day!