On Sunday, July 13th, Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC proudly sponsored and attended two cultural events in Cleveland. These gatherings celebrated the traditions of immigrants—both recent arrivals and families established in the U.S. for generations.
C.A.M.E.O. Picnic: Honoring Middle Eastern-American Traditions
We started our day at Middleburg Heights Recreation Park for the 34th Annual Picnic of the Cleveland American Middle East Organization (C.A.M.E.O.).
➡️ Learn more: ClevelandPeople.com
C.A.M.E.O. is a growing group of community-minded individuals. Many of them have Middle Eastern heritage and now call Northeast Ohio home. Each year, this picnic brings people together to reconnect, meet new faces, and engage with local political candidates.
Moreover, one candidate noted that among the many forums he attended, C.A.M.E.O. stood out. He described it as the most non-partisan event, which he saw as a major strength.
Bastille Day at La Ville Lumière: A French-American Celebration
After the picnic, we visited La Ville Lumière, a new French restaurant in Cleveland. There, we joined the Bastille Day celebration hosted by the French American Chamber of Commerce (FACC).
➡️ About Bastille Day: timeanddate.com
➡️ Event Info: FACCOhio.org
Bastille Day marks the start of the French Republic in 1789. The event had a lively atmosphere with great food and French hospitality. Importantly, a portion of each ticket sale supported the French Cultural Garden.
During the afternoon, we enjoyed a delicious meal and met Kevin O’Connell, the restaurant’s owner and chef.
➡️ Read more: Eat Local Media
Chef O’Connell stood out as warm, enthusiastic, and deeply passionate about food. He aims to create a dining experience that feels upscale yet unpretentious. His vision includes white tablecloths, but without the stiffness often associated with fine dining.
In addition, he spoke about the “camaraderie of a meal” that people often experience in Europe. Everyone at the table smiled, recalling similar moments from their travels.
Both events showcased the strength and diversity of immigrant communities in Cleveland. They reminded us of the enduring value of culture, connection, and shared traditions.
At Margaret W. Wong & Associates, we’re honored to support events that uplift the people and stories that shape our city and our country.
