Applications for vendors being accepted for 7th Annual Windward Ho'olaulea

University of Hawaiʻi
Contact:
Libby Young, (808) 235-7396
Windward Community College
Posted: Jun 18, 2007

KĀNEʻOHE - Applications are being accepted now from crafts and food vendors for "The 7th Annual Windward Hoʻolauleʻa: A Homegrown Celebration" to be held Saturday, Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Windward Community College in Kāneʻohe.

The event is being coordinated by WCC and the Kaneohe Business Group. Admission is free.

This community-wide, family-friendly event features a day of top-name entertainment, ʻono ethnic food, crafts, keiki games, a white elephant and used book sale, and community displays and activities to showcase WCC‘s programs, art gallery and the high-tech Imaginarium.

New this year will be a silent auction with proceeds going to benefit students and programs at Windward Community College. Among the items for bid will be special activities for families and gift certificates from restaurants, other businesses and WCC events.

Among the featured performers (with more to come) will be the popular group Kapena and Holunape, 2006 Na Hoku Hanohano winners for Group of the Year and Hawaiian Language Performance.

"The Hoʻolauleʻa has become one of the biggest community events on the Windward side, with something for the whole family," said chair Janis Y. Chun. "We‘re excited about spotlighting the homegrown talents of our musicians and crafters, with special emphasis on Hawaiian cultural activities."

This year the event will be part of the "Celebrate Kaneʻohe" series of activities to recognize the people and programs of the area.

The crafts booth fee will be $120 if reserved by Aug. 15, or $150 after Aug. 15, with tents and lights provided for a booth size of 10 x 10 feet.

"We‘re especially interested in handcrafted, made-in-Hawaiʻi items," said chair Sheri Tamamoto. "This will be a chance for crafters to showcase their unique wares to an island-wide audience of residents and visitors." Call her at 754-4211 for details or email stamamoto@hawaii.edu.

The cost for a food booth will be $400 if reserved by Aug. 15, or $450 after that date, with access to electricity and water. At last year‘s Hoʻolauleʻa, the array of island food included everything from Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese and stew plates to garlic shrimp, pizza and shave ice. Food vendors can contact chair Gerrene Yukuno at 358-2685 or email gyukuno@hawaii.rr.com.

Not-for-profit community organizations who want to provide information about their groups can participate for a $25 donation. Call Gordon Miyamoto at 235-7747 by Aug. 31 to reserve a space.

Proceeds from the event will go to WCC‘s College Advancement Fund to benefit students and programs and to provide seed money for future Hoʻolauleʻa.

"We‘re very grateful for the tremendous community support of this event," said WCC Chancellor Angela Meixell. "It‘s a way to highlight the people and programs of the Windward side, including the educational opportunities at WCC." For more details and applications, go to http://www.wcc.hawaii.edu/hoolaulea.

For more information, visit: http://www.wcc.hawaii.edu/hoolaulea