KALAHEO — No, there won’t be any loco moco, but there will be a lot of other goodies Oct. 14. “They called me out of retirement for this,” said Bette Kobayashi, chair of the 60th Anniversary Kalaheo Missionary Church’s Country
KALAHEO — No, there won’t be any loco moco, but there will be a lot of other goodies Oct. 14.
“They called me out of retirement for this,” said Bette Kobayashi, chair of the 60th Anniversary Kalaheo Missionary Church’s Country Store.
One of the featured items that arrived at the church recently is a special 60th anniversary cookbook featuring recipes from the church’s congregation and friends.
No, there is not a recipe for loco moco in there, either.
Pam Gingrich, one of the coordinators for the event, said the popular country store was discontinued four years ago, much to the disappointment of community shoppers who found the event an excellent source for holiday gifts.
“We started it to help raise funds for the women’s ministry,” Kobayashi said. Over the years, the event has become popular because shoppers can find lot of hand-sewn items created by the church members. “It’s not only for holiday shopping. There are many items for everyday use, too. We have a lot of baby quilts, this time.”
Gingrich said in addition to the items provided by the women of the church, the men get involved as well.
Men usually tend the fires that produce the chili and bento lunches. The popular andagi, or Okinawa doughnuts, will also be part of the culinary offerings. And, perhaps if there are enough people with “sad” eyes, will the “mocoloco” appear on the menu? No.
In addition to the shopping and grinds, shoppers can also browse through and bid on items in a special silent auction area, Gingrich said.
Quilts, plants, zabuton are just some of the many items that will be available in this area, she said.
Currently, Kobayashi said they will also have several crafters who are members of the church setting up tables offering their wares as well.
The key to success at this special offering of the Country Store is to arrive early. There is ample parking, but because a lot of the items are hand-made, they are in limited supply.
For shoppers who have never experienced the excitement and flavor of the Kalaheo Missionary Church country store, the Oct. 14 event offers an opportunity to relive that unique experience one more time.
As for the “mocoloco,” it is on the breakfast menu following the church’s weekly Sunday services. The description was provided by resident pastor Bob Buller, who assumed his post just as the supply of cookbooks came rolling into the church.
The Country Store starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
