The celebration commenced on Saturday, October 11, 1997 in Orange County, about 50 miles South East of Los Angeles. The place selected for this event was a charming park surrounded by trees and lots of green areas. The peaceful setting gave one the feeling of being away from the hustle and bustle of the city life in Southern California. Along the path leading to the park entrance, there were three dimensional mock ups of Perspolis’ columns. At the entrance of the park, there was a large size mock up of the Nation’s Gate in Perspolis. A walkway through the trees lead to a village by a small pond. The Village had many small huts, each representing a different region of Iran. There were also displays of various Iranian traditions. A short distance away, there was a mock up of the monument in Tehran’s Azadi (Freedom) Square (formerly known as Shahyad).
Tea Room was to the left of the village. This was a big open air amphitheater style structure covered by a see through tent. One could see the tall trees surrounding the tent. Inside, the seats and the grounds were all covered with Persian rugs. Next to the stage in the middle, was an area where Persian tea was brewed in large samavars (tea pots) all day long. The quaint ambiance of the Tea Room was very pleasant and inviting. Next to the Tea room was an area dedicated to the businesses who cater their services to the Iranian Community. Manou & Associates and Iran Online were among the businesses who promoted their services there. To the left of this area was a playground for kids and youngsters. The main ground was further down at the bottom of the hill. This was the stage for the Iranian Marshal Art.
The eating area was next to the main ground. Kabob, barbecuded corn
(balal), Persian ice cream, refreshments and other treats were sold at
the neatly arranged tents that were lined up at the perimeter of the park.
The Main Stage was set up at the end of the park next to the eating area.
Over the two days of the celebration many thousands of Iranians came to
the park and joined the festivities. Visitors were entertained by various
performances in the Tea Room and at the Main Stage throughout the day.
Shahram Solati and the Black Cats group entertained the people on Saturday
and Sunday evenings respectively. It was obvious that people were enjoying
themselves . Both nights the majority of the visitors stayed until the
end.
This was one of the most successful Persian events that have taken place
in U.S. in recent years. The following are just a few of the reasons that
have made this event different than others.
NIPOC- A local organization dedicated to promoting networking among
Iranian professionals
ICCOC- A local organization dedicated to promoting Persian culture
ICCU- Iranian Cultural Club of University of California in Irvine dedicated
to promoting Persian culture
Khayam Educational Group- A local group dedicated to promoting Persian
literature
Although members of these organizations come from different age groups and backgrounds, they have one thing in common that is their love to preserve our Persian heritage. This was enough to allow them to work closely together and to organize one of the most impressive and well managed Iranian events in Southern California and U.S. in recent years.
2- This was an event that brought the past, the present, the young and the old all together in a very festive occasion in one place to celebrate Mehregan.
3- Unlike many other events that usually take place in Southern California, there was no financial motivation for the organizers of Mehregan. Their pride of their heritage and the belief to do the right thing were the reasons for their involvement.
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