Kyrgyz Community in Texas Gathers for Annual Fall Picnic
Kyrgyz community in Texas celebrates culture and unity at annual fall picnic.
Over 150 Kyrgyz Texans gathered in Tomball for food, music and games at the Texas Kyrgyz Foundation’s annual fall picnic, highlighting community spirit and cultural connection.
The Texas Kyrgyz Foundation (TKF) held its annual Fall Picnic on Saturday at Burroughs Park in Tomball, a new venue in the northern Houston area. Approximately 150 people attended, including families, students and residents of the Kyrgyz community.
The picnic featured traditional Kyrgyz food such as plov, samsa, salads, pastries, fruit and tea. The main dish was prepared by Ernazar Azimov, a community chef. Volunteers helped with the setup, food preparation and transportation, including ride-shares for those without vehicles.
Photo courtesy of Texas Kyrgyz Foundation
Entertainment included performances by Kyrgyz singer Erlan Andashev, group dances by youth in national dress and games based on Kyrgyz films. The event also featured estafeta (team-based) relay races and a volleyball tournament led by host Olzhobai Abdyrakhmanov.
Several sponsors provided raffle items, including three cakes from My Sugarland Sweets bakery offered by Nazira Tashtemirova. Student volunteers were granted free entry in recognition of their support.
“This picnic turned out even better than we imagined,” said organizer Gulazim Bolotova, who has lived in Houston for the past two years. “There was plenty of food, music and joy—and everyone left with full hearts and memories.”
The event concluded with the raising of Kyrgyz, Texas and US flags, underscoring the community’s focus on cultural connection and unity.