Fiddletown Picnic – August 30. 2025

by KARUN YEE

The Chinese American Council of Sacramento Foundation sponsored its 3rd annual community picnic this August in the foothill town of Fiddletown located 6 miles east of Plymouth. The early morning scenic drive through the foothills on highway 12  was invigorating, and gave our visitors a feel, for the pioneering spirit that moved our ancestors to adventures heading west. The wide open fields past Slough House farmer’s market just glowed in the morning sun.

The Fiddletown Preservation Society headed by President Janet Migliore, met us at the park adjacent to the Chew Kee Museum. Already in preparation  for the picnic were Kenny, the grill master and the chicken, LJ with the AV equipment and Janet with tablecloths, sunflower centerpieces, water and ice plus additional tables and chairs.  Her crew would be docents at the museum after lunch.  Since we had produced this event before, we were ready.

Annie Zhang and  her husband came early to set up their art display tent. Cathy Wei’s crew set up the Shen Yun tent. The Chinese New Year Culture Association Group had a booth headed by Rung Fong. CACS had our resident calligrapher; Steven Tse and Betty Louie did children’s tattoos in our activity tent. Our large CACS tent displayed our public relations materials and other organizations as well as things to sell.

After welcoming our guests and explaining the main reason we hold this event,; (community engagement among friends and other organizations) we were eagar to taste all the delectable food only a pot luck can produce. The Chew Kee Museum was open to our guests (approximate 75) and everyone enjoyed renewing and networking  with each other.

A big thank you for the CACS committee who came to make this all happen; Franc Martinez, Joyce Eng, Kingman Louie, Annie Leong, Derrick Lim, June Fong, Abraham Fong, Cathy Wei, Honey Lum, Betty Louie and chair Karun Yee. We are especially grateful for all the great people who came out to drive all the way to Fiddletown, and share a meal and moment with us.