I look forward to promoting stronger U.S.-Latvia ties and working with AmCham members to ensure Latvia is a trusted destination for international business.
John Tully, Chairman of the Board of MikroTik
Past events
Celebrating 241st Anniversary of U.S. Independence
Jul 01, 2017
Open Air Museum, Brivibas gatve 440
On Saturday, July 1, over 800 guests gathered at the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum to celebrate the 241st anniversary of U.S. Independence at AmCham's annual Picnic Celebration. AmCham began hosting the event in 2016. Previously the U.S. Independence Day Celebration was put on by the U.S. Embassy.
The Open-Air Museum offered a sprawling landscape with scenic views of Jugla Lake and traditional Latvian housing, which was open to the picnic guests for viewing. Despite spurts of rain, the venue was brimming with guests throughout the day.
Guests enjoyed a variety of traditional American foods and beverages and participated in numerous fun, family-friendly activities put on by Picnic Sponsors. Picnic Sponsors showcased their creativity through the activities they brought to the picnic. Guests could choose to indulge in a dry-ice "scienticfic cocktail" made by Zinoo, to paint a shipping crate provided by Gosselin, to play American football with the Riga Lions and more.
Live music performed by Cathouse Radio was a huge hit. Cathouse Radio's sets, along with the U.S. and the Latvian National Anthems performed by the National Armed Forces Orchestra and remarks made by AmCham President Ēriks Eglītis, the U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, Nancy Bikoff Pettit and Member of the Board of our Primary Sponsor Citadele Bank, Uldis Upenieks kept the atmosphere lively and entertaining throughout the day.
The event program included:
- opening remarks by the U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Nancy Bikoff Pettit, AmCham President Ēriks Eglītis & Uldis Upenieks, Member of the Board, Citadele Bank; -
- a bounce house and other activities for children;
- games for families by Strategic Staffing Solutions International;
- packing contest and art laboratory by Gosselin Mobility;
- darts and other activities by SAKRET;
- an experiment bar by Zinoo;
- American football by Riga Lions;
- public speeking workshop by Riga Toastmasters;
- live music, provided by Orangetime Events;
- Harley Davidson motorcycles and U.S. Army vehicle exhibit.
This year's picnic would not have been possible without the generous support from our Picnic Sponsors. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy everything from delicious food and drink to delightful activities because of the provisions of our supporters.
MAIN SPONSOR
This year, the Primary Sponsor of the U.S. Independence Day Picnic was Citadele Bank. Citadele offered two truly wonderful activities: an enchanting hair-braiding station and a virtural "mind-reading" game. Both activities were big hits and kept Citadele's tent buzzing throughout the day.
SPONSORS
NCH Advisors, GroGlass, FIMA, Eversheds Sutherland Bitāns, Belam-Riga, Strategic Staffing Solutions International, Gosselin Mobility, Sakret
SUPPORTERS
IN-KIND SPONSORS
We are grateful to our in-kind sponsors for providing a proper American feast: Hamburgers from McDonalds and Radisson Hotels, muffins from Bellevue Park Hotels, beer from Valmiermuiža, Viedi and Lielvārde, pizzas from Pizza Hut and chicken snacks from KFC, snacks from Dome Hotel & Spa, ice-cream from Rūjienas saldējums, scrips and sweets from Orkla Confectionery & Snacks, donuts and coffee from Ze Donats, cider from Tālavas sidrs, bagels from Cannelle, hotdogs from Nākotne & cake from Pullmann Riga Old Town Hotel.
INFORMATIVE SUPPORTERS
Thank you to all those who attended and participated in this year's U.S. Independence Day Picnic Celebration! We look forward to seeing you again at next year's event!
Media coverage:
Photos by ET PRODUCTION
Gallery
We re-affirm our commitment to the values that AmCham stands for and that we share.
Kārlis Danēvičs, Board member, Head of Credits and Risk at SEB Banka