New York The mother of all picnics, the New York picnic, has shown its mettle once again on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at the beautiful Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica, Queens. This year?s picnic was a fundraiser for the newly acquired Ghanaian cultural center in the Bronx. As has been customary in the past few years, the picnic was held in a different location with a less than stellar attendance compared to a year ago. The low turnout was blamed on the fact that the venue was acquired very late, leaving NCOGA with very limited time to publicize the event and people?s unfamiliarity with the new venue and how to get there. Despite these shortcomings, the picnic was deemed a success, judging from comments from participants to the NCOGA office. As usual the diversity of Ghanaian culture was on display. Nonetheless the collective harmony that is characteristic of Ghana was at its best. The United Volta Association (UVA) cultural troupe and the Kpanlongo group led by Zeek entertained participants with different rhythms. Other highlighted events were Johnny Quansah (aka Johnny Q) a renowned reggae artist to the Ghanaian community, who was there to charm his numerous adoring fans. The climax of the afternoon was the performance by TIC TAC who was in town for his 10th anniversary celebration tour. Tic tac who goes by the name; Nana Kwaku Okyere Duah was presented with an award for a decade of excellence in the world of music by 3G Media (Publishers of 3G Magazine and www.3gmediaonline.com) in conjunction with NCOGA and Boogie Down Nima Productions. Other popular Ghanaian stars on hand are Grace Ashe, a gospel Hip life singer, Kwaw Kessie, 2Tuff and others. A crew of Volta FM radio was on hand to cover the celebrations live. The New York Nurses association was also on hand to provide free health screening to participants. The New York picnic has always been a success in terms of its content for many years. NCOGA, the organizers of the picnic can now boast of being the only Ghanaian powerhouse organization in America, attributed to the success of future superstars through the picnic, the only biggest Ghanaian outdoor event in America that showcases local talents. Ambassador Leslie Kojo Christian, the permanent representative to the UN, Nana Kwesi Arhin, Minister at the Mission and Joesph Ngminebayihi, the Deputy Consul General of New York, Dr. Benjamin Dodoo and other dignitaries were there to grace the occasion. Big up to Boogie Down Nima Productions for supervising the show; Hashim Haruna, DJ Ronnie, Sam Q and MC Papa Linc for working together as a team. Abraham Kwaku Lincoln aka Papa Linc, the official Master of Ceremonies for 7 years in a row was as usual impressive with his jokes and his delivery. He has become one of the most sought after MCs to host events in New York. NCOGA would like to thank the following sponsors for their support for this year?s picnic: Western Union, Moneygram, Ambassadorway Travel, Prestige Travel, Trinity Travel and Black Star Travel for each donating round trip ticket to Ghana, Sam Tuga and Associates, Charlottfields International Food Distribution, Laurelton Medical, Winnsom Insurance, Heafa International, Labelle Kumorji, American Medical Centers, Sky Brokerage, LLC, Family Link Money Transfer, Kuwait Shipping and Desgratias Adade, Ghanaweb & 3G Media (Publishers of 3G Magazine and www.3gmediaonline.com). A big kudos to this year?s organizers for a job well done!!!