The National Weather Service predicted rain for Sunday morning, but that did not stop the more than 600 families who turned out for the free ‘Ohana Fun Day, which was presented by Child &Family Service (CFS) at Puhi open field where the weekly Grove Farm Market takes place.
More than 150 CFS volunteers and Kaua‘i High School Key Club hosted the visiting families to the event that, according to CFS, topped out at 400 preregistered families on the day that coincided with Children’s Day.
“Last year was the first time we tried doing this. We had 300 people. But it was only about CFS services and programs. This year, we have about 15 community partners adding their mana‘o, and we sold out at 400 preregistrations,” said the CFS organizers.
“But, with all of the extra help from the volunteer agencies and the Key Club students, we’re aiming for around 600 families. Everything is free … food trucks, community agency activities, the rides, and more.”
The Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i and Nourish Kaua‘i were offering food packages and recipes accompanied with food to create meals that included Beef Adobo, and for the more vegan oriented, Taro Burgers.
“We weren’t too sure we were going to participate since we participated with the Charity Walk on Saturday,” said Michelle Panoke of the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i. “But we made it and we’re offering assorted fresh fruits and apples, as well as a bag of canned food.”
The Garden Island Federal Credit Union people, with manager Shane Corregedore, appeared to be having as much fun as the clients who had a turn spinning the wheel for premiums.
“It appears that we have a new ambassador in Alisi Leone,” said Mryvie Buster of the GIFCU. “Look at her go! She’s having a lot of fun getting people to spin the wheel.”
Ho‘ola Lahui Hawai‘i had its mobile clinic and partnering Project Vision van on hand to spread awareness of what services the vehicles could offer.
“And, it’s all free,” the CFS organizers said. “We want to make it bigger for next year. We love this more centralized location so more people can participate.”
