Kupuna kick off holiday season with annual craft fair

LIHU‘E — Shoppers were looking for more craft fairs following the experience at the Kaua‘i Senior Centers event on Saturday at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall.

Hundreds of shoppers flowed through the main entrance once the doors opened at 9 a.m. and many items were snatched up within a few minutes of opening.

“This used to be part of the Senior Extravaganza,” said Melanie Okamoto of the county’s Parks and Recreation Department, the event coordinator. “But over the years, it’s come down to the craft fair and local entertainment provided by the senior centers.”

Food items were particularly good buys, noting that a laulau plate being offered by the Hanapepe Senior Centers went to $5.

“At this price, I gotta get some,” said Kenny Ishii of the Ono Family Restaurant who was dropping off some gift certificates to be given away as door prizes. “I’m going to see what else I can find.”

The annual event allows the seniors from the different sites around to the island an opportunity to gather and showcase items they’ve been working on throughout the year.

The members of the Kaumakani Senior Centers were broken down into two groups, one manning the table with a variety of baked goods while the other group ladled out portions of chili to hungry diners.

Shoppers were also offered a raffle for a handmade quilt with the funds benefiting the Kaua‘i Senior Centers.

One visiting O‘ahu family came out with a bag filled with items and wanted to know where the next fair was.

‘Ele‘ele School will be hosting its craft and book fair, this Saturday at the school’s cafeteria. A variety of crafts, food booths, children’s games and vendors coordinated by the school’s Donna Fuji will be on hand when the doors open 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

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