RENTON, Wash.—August 31, 2025. The Seattle Tashkent Sister Cities Association hosted a community picnic Sunday at Philip Arnold Park to celebrate the Independence Day of Uzbekistan, bringing together families, friends, and guests for an afternoon of food and cultural performances.

The gathering featured servings of traditional Uzbek plov, prepared and shared as a centerpiece of the celebration. Attendees lined up to enjoy the rice dish while learning about its cultural significance and regional variations.

Festivities also included Uzbek dances and songs performed by community members, adding music and movement to the park’s open setting. Colorful costumes and live performances drew applause and invited spectators to join in the celebration.

Organizers said the event reflected the association’s mission to strengthen cultural ties between Seattle and Tashkent through shared experiences. The picnic offered an opportunity for both the Uzbek community and the broader public to mark Uzbekistan’s independence while fostering cross-cultural understanding in the region.