HANAPEPE — The Spring Fantasy Orchid Show has been going strong for 46 years.
“Can you imagine that, for a little show, to be here for 46 years on the island,” said Ada Koene, member of the Garden Island Orchid Society.
The show, set for Friday and Saturday at Hanapepe United Church of Christ, features orchid displays, as well as arts and crafts. Members of GIOS will be selling items like place mats, napkins and potholders, all with an orchid theme.
The show has become such a staple in the community that not even rains of biblical proportions could stop it.
“About seven years ago, we had 40 days of rain, so no one could go anywhere,” she said. “People thought we were going to have to cancel the show, but we didn’t. People were so happy to get out — they had been inside all week.”
The rain let up the day of the show, Koene said.
The 10th annual Kauai Orchid & Art Festival is also Friday and Saturday and will take place at locations around Hanapepe.
There will be crafts and food from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday.
Saturday, from 10 a.m, to 4 p.m., there will be music, arts and crafts, a silent auction, workshops and food.
Live music starts at 10 a.m. Saturday on the grounds of the Hanapepe Hawaiian Congregational Church. Performers throughout the day will include Taiko Drummers, Paul Tagioka, Pauala Fuga, Cindy Combs and Artistic License.
The two festivals combined because Hanapepe residents saw a need for a festival in their town, Koene said.
“A few years back, Hanapepe Town decided they needed a festival, so they attached themselves to us,” she said. “So now we have a Kauai Orchid and Art Festival.”
The GIOS is a nonprofit that aims to promote culture, use and appreciation of orchids through lectures, demonstrations and shows.
The Spring Fantasy Orchid Show will feature demonstrations by Dennis Olivas, known as the “Orchid Doctor.”
Growing up on Kauai, Olivas helped his mother grow orchids. He later joined the Future Farmers of America and was given the task of raising and selling orchids. He now has a nursery in California.
The show will also feature orchid displays from eight local growers, like Orchid Alley.
Other orchid displays will be on sale and there will be a drawing for three orchid baskets, Koene said.
It’s easy to get hooked on orchids, Koene said.
“Once you have one, you need more,” she said.
More info: www.gardenislandorchidsociety.org
