Korean branch augments stake celebration

The music of three bands rocked the crowds of over a thousand people, hundreds lined up for loads of food for dinner, then some headed to a nearby park for Fourth of July fireworks in the evening.

Many Koreans from the Korean Branch of the Garden Grove Stake, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were specially invited to attend the \"Spectacular Irvine Stake July 4^th Rock Band Festival and Feast\" in Irvine, Calif. by David Wong, the event's chef and a professor at USC.

Wong, famous in local Mormon communities for his cooking, with help from his physician wife and children, cooked all day for the event. The meal consisted of Korean BBQ beef, Chinese chicken salad, Texas-style BBQ lemon chicken, steamed rice, and French fries and fried chicken for the kids. A very long table held all the desserts brought by the crowds of people who came. Guests signed up on-line weeks in advance to make sure they would have a spot at the event. Many families, friends, and guests from Irvine and surrounding cities attended the event.

At 6 p.m. the mayor of Irvine, Korean Sukhee Kang, spoke to the crowds. Henry Baik, a member of the Garden Grove Branch, said, \"We (as Koreans) were very impressed with the speech Mayor Kang gave. He spoke about what a great country this is, that Independence Day is for everyone, that he appreciated the sacrifices our forefathers gave as they fought for our independence, and independence brought freedom to everyone.\"

After his speech Mayor Kang came to the Korean group from Garden Grove and shook hands with everyone, including the children. The group was very impressed with the gesture, according to Baik.

The Korean group enjoyed the festivities, the food, music and fireworks, Baik said.