Christmas spirit arrives early

Christmas, you say … it’s not even Thanksgiving yet. But strains of holiday carols drifted on the morning air as patrons began to browse in earnest at the St. Michael’s Christmas Craft Fair Saturday.

“It’s all to benefit the Loaves & Fishes program,” said Jeanette Burnz, one of the church volunteers, while waiting for the activity inside the kitchen to bear fruit.

While none of the volunteers knew exactly how long the church has been hosting the annual event signaling the start of the holiday craft fair circuit, they all agreed that profits generated go to benefit the church’s food pantry program.

“It’s to feed the hungry,” Burnz said.

Gayle Konishi, one of the vendors, agreed, adding the Hawaiian plate lunch on the menu was an exceptional value.

Gilbert Medeiros, the sparkplug in the kitchen, said they prepared food for about 200 servings of the Hawaiian lunch that included laulau, chicken long rice, mac salad and lomi salmon.

“All this for just $6 a plate,” Medeiros said as he and his wife Clarita moved a big pot of chicken long rice from the stove burners. “It’s pretty reasonable. And the profits go to help feed the hungry.”

Lindy Beer, the craft fair coordinator for the past two years, said the Saturday event included 18 vendor tables with St. Michael’s Church having at least five tables.

Amy Hill, the church’s director for youth and young adults, had one of those tables where she worked with “The Zone” members in creating origami ornaments, magnets and yarn lei.

“This is the first year the youngsters are doing this,” Hill said. “Our program started July 1 and the kids decided they would like to do this.”

Hill said their group meets every Sunday following the church service and the 16 students who are part of “The Zone” are currently in the process of renovating a building located in the church’s parking lot.

Another St. Michael’s table saw Chantel Rusaw, Christine Santos and Kalama Watson crank out shave ice right outside the keiki play area while Liz Gayer got the help of “Biscuit,” a sun conure, to help peddle her offerings of fresh fruit, plants and tropical plant rhizomes.

Inside, volunteers Tolly Boyd and Chris Johnson manned a baked goods table immediately behind another bakes goods offering by members of the Mokihana Club.

Lenore Klass, one of the Mokihana volunteers, said this was the first year they are trying baked goods.

“The profits go to our Music Scholarship program,” Klass said. “We have an ‘Around the World’ Christmas party coming up Dec. 2 at the Hilton Kaua‘i Beach Resort, too. Proceeds from that also benefit the Music Scholarship.”

That event will feature the Kaua‘i High School Chorus under the direction of David Conrad providing some of the entertainment during the dinner. Klass said in addition to the dinner and entertainment, there will be a small silent auction featuring tabletop decorations from countries such as Iceland, Scotland and the United States.

Konishi, of Gayle’s Creations, said the Saturday event was just the start of the holiday season.

“Next week is the King Kaumuali‘i craft fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” Konishi said. “This will be the first time King K is going to host a craft fair.”

Another vendor, Deborah Morris of Kapa‘a, who was selling sewn fabric shopping cart protectors and fabric steno book covers, said she’ll be at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center where the Kaulupono Girls basketball team is hosting a craft fair Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tammy Kauahi is coordinating that event which is just down the highway from Holy Cross Church where a sign on their fence announces their Holiday Bazaar, also on Saturday at 8 a.m.

Konishi said she’ll be at the Kaua‘i Handworks craft fair at Wilcox School cafeteria on Nov. 25 as well.

“The Kaua‘i Handworks fair is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year,” Konishi said. “It should be something special.”

Following that, Konishi is coordinating the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School craft fair which is coming up Dec. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“This is to benefit the computer and other school programs,” she said. “The funds will be used to upgrade computer equipment. In addition to the craft fair, it’s the same day as the pickup for the benefit Aunty Ono cookie sale.”

Konishi said tickets for the cookies are now on sale and people can order theirs by calling the school office.

“We’ve always had the St. Michael’s Christmas Craft Fair early in November,” Burnz said. “Usually, it’s the second weekend. And it’s always benefited the Loaves & Fishes pantry program to help feed the hungry.”

St. Michael’s Church has more than 200 members. The Rev. Bill Miller, who arrived in February, is the resident minister.

“He’s helped the church grow,” said Beer.

• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.