LIHU‘E — Shoppers looking for an early start and bargains to holiday shopping were in luck, Saturday at the War Memorial Convention Hall. Members of the nine senior centers on the island converged in Lihu‘e with a supply of food
LIHU‘E — Shoppers looking for an early start and bargains to holiday shopping were in luck, Saturday at the War Memorial Convention Hall.
Members of the nine senior centers on the island converged in Lihu‘e with a supply of food and hand-crafted items to offer for sale at the Senior Craft and Food Fair as the doors opened to the public.
“We are pretty happy with the crowd,” said Marilyn Okamoto of the county’s Parks and Recreation Dept. “This event is sponsored by the Parks and Rec Dept. and Na Kupuna Council, and for awhile, we weren’t sure of the kind of crowd, but it turned out good.”
Among the shoppers, Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. took time out to join the combined dancers from Lihu‘e and Kapa‘a centers as the dancers, garbed in orange of the season and appropriate face masks, pulled members of the audience into its offerings.
“This is my third stop for today,” he said. “I was at the United Way Walk before helping pick up rubbish on the roadside. After this, I’m heading to the Lihu‘e County Park for the opening of baseball.”
Other people shared similarly busy schedules, as former Mayor JoAnn Yukimura and Kaua‘i County Council candidate Nadine Nakamura were also participating in the Kaua‘i United Way Walk before arriving to shop at the Senior Craft and Food Fair.
Admission was free to the public who, in addition to being able to browse through a variety of food and hand-crafted items made by the seniors, were treated to a morning of entertainment by the members of the senior centers.
The fun element was extended due to Halloween as the Parks and Recreation Department and some members of the centers donned appropriate costuming, many shoppers surprised by the unfamiliar greeters at the door.
Marilyn Matsumoto punctuated the entertainment lineup by reading off lucky numbers for premiums donated by the senior centers and generous community businesses and organizations.
“I’m doing my Christmas shopping,” said Debbie Yanagihara, the coordinator of the Sheraton Kaua‘i craft fairs. “I love crocheted items and the seniors work so hard. I always come and support them.”
Among the offerings, Yanagihara was browing through pot holders and quilts. Other items being offered included pillows, handbags, bracelets, tabi, aprons, casserole carriers, and holiday ornaments and wall decorations.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
