As Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month nears its end, a collaboration in Lancaster brought the community together to celebrate culture, connection, and heritage. On a night filled with flashing lights, retro games, and bowling strikes, community members gathered at Decades for an event that was about more than just fun. “This is the first time we’re doing an event like this,” said Rachel Duong, events chair for Lancaster AAPI. The evening featured music, conversations, and smiles as Decades partnered with the Lancaster Asian American and Pacific Islander organization to host the celebration. Community and connectionThe event highlighted friendship and learning, with attendees embracing the opportunity to connect and share experiences. “We’re one community. This is also a learning experience for me. I love to learn as much as I can,” said Jose Nunez-Ruiz of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs. Featured treats at the event Guests also enjoyed unique flavors, including a featured ice cream and a Sakura Pagoda mystery cocktail experience. “The featured ice cream is a mango and coconut swirl with cashew nut and plantain chips, so it’s a very tropical and fun flavor,” said Bui. Julia Cao added, “So many people came out to buy the sundae, to buy the cocktail experience, which is like a mystery cocktail of your choice.” Supporting scholarshipsBeyond the festivities, the event aimed to build community and create opportunities. “It’s really cool that we get to do this because we have actual scholarship funds that we are able to give to three different school districts for an outstanding student of AAPI identity,” Cao said. Looking aheadThe organizers hope the event will inspire more conversations and connections long after the games end. “With events like this, we’re more encouraged to be out here and be loud and proud about our background and our heritage,” Duong said. Proceeds from the event will support AAPI scholarships and local initiatives as part of Decades’ “Decades Gives Back” program, which features nonprofit organizations to help raise awareness and funds.
As Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month nears its end, a collaboration in Lancaster brought the community together to celebrate culture, connection, and heritage.
On a night filled with flashing lights, retro games, and bowling strikes, community members gathered at Decades for an event that was about more than just fun.
“This is the first time we’re doing an event like this,” said Rachel Duong, events chair for Lancaster AAPI.
The evening featured music, conversations, and smiles as Decades partnered with the Lancaster Asian American and Pacific Islander organization to host the celebration.
Community and connection
The event highlighted friendship and learning, with attendees embracing the opportunity to connect and share experiences.
“We’re one community. This is also a learning experience for me. I love to learn as much as I can,” said Jose Nunez-Ruiz of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs.
Featured treats at the event
Guests also enjoyed unique flavors, including a featured ice cream and a Sakura Pagoda mystery cocktail experience.
“The featured ice cream is a mango and coconut swirl with cashew nut and plantain chips, so it’s a very tropical and fun flavor,” said Bui.
Julia Cao added, “So many people came out to buy the sundae, to buy the cocktail experience, which is like a mystery cocktail of your choice.”
Supporting scholarships
Beyond the festivities, the event aimed to build community and create opportunities.
“It’s really cool that we get to do this because we have actual scholarship funds that we are able to give to three different school districts for an outstanding student of AAPI identity,” Cao said.
Looking ahead
The organizers hope the event will inspire more conversations and connections long after the games end.
“With events like this, we’re more encouraged to be out here and be loud and proud about our background and our heritage,” Duong said.
Proceeds from the event will support AAPI scholarships and local initiatives as part of Decades’ “Decades Gives Back” program, which features nonprofit organizations to help raise awareness and funds.
