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Samoan Cultural Celebration kicks off week of activities in Oceanside CA

Historical archive photo of Samoan dancers
Source: Visit Oceanside

Oceanside, CA — The Samoan Cultural Celebration returns to Oceanside with a week of activities and events from June 30 to July 6. The Celebration begins with the opening Samoan Church Choir Service at the Melba Bishop Recreation Center on Sunday, June 30, from 3 to 5pm, followed by various youth sports clinics such as rugby, basketball, volleyball, and Cupstack. There will be music and cultural arts on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, July 1-3, from 5pm to 8:30pm, also at the Melba Bishop Rec Center. The Recreation Center is located at 5306 North River Road in Oceanside.

The celebration features traditional dancing, live music and performances, cultural competitions, food and local vendors on July 6, from 12 to 8pm, at its new location at 300 Coast Highway and Pierview Way, near the Oceanside Library. This is where spectators will enjoy watching Polynesian performances including traditional singing and dancing, fire knife, Samoan sivas and indulge in island cuisine. Cultural performances begin at 2:30pm. There is open seating on a first-come basis. The festival has arts and craft booths, island themed clothing, lava lava, and refreshments. The event is free and open to the public.

A very special feature and new addition to this year’s celebration is the “Stack To The Future”
Cupstack challenge and celebration, in the Junior Seau Beach Community Center, Saturday and Sunday, 11-3 on Saturday, and Sunday 12-4pm. Oceanside is the birthplace of Cupstack, invented by Wayne Godinet. Oceanside’s world record holder Matt “Attack” Adame (90’s) and others will challenge today’s fastest stackers from around the world, including Austrailian Champion, Molly Hallam, 19, the most traveled stacker in the world.

The Samoan Cultural Celebration is presented by the Oceanside Samoan Cultural Committee, an organized group of volunteers dedicated to highlighting the best of American and Samoan culture. Events are open to the public. For more information, visit www.visitoceanside.org or call (760) 458-2614 or contact the Melba Bishop Recreation Center at (760) 435-5550.