LIHU‘E — There was not a computer to be found at the Monday Market at Kukui Grove Center. “I took a break Friday from the Vidinha Stadium Sunshine Market because we (vendors) felt that shoppers would be too tired to
LIHU‘E — There was not a computer to be found at the Monday Market at Kukui Grove Center.
“I took a break Friday from the Vidinha Stadium Sunshine Market because we (vendors) felt that shoppers would be too tired to shop,” said Glenna Ueunten, a vendor from Lawa‘i. “That was good because I got to spend the day with my daughter who came home for Thanksgiving. Today is Cyber Monday, but I don’t think it’s the same as Black Friday.”
Shoppers arrived prior the 3 p.m. start of the market, and with the sounding of the whistle, the silent but serious tromping of feet signaled the start of the weekly farmers market in Lihu‘e.
“Value added,” said Chris Kauwe, a beekeeper offering both liquid honey as well as beeswax. “The secret is value added.”
That term adds depth to the offering of produce and fruits from local vendors as Kauwe was joined by Sandy Poehnelt of The Right Slice, one of the newer vendors, offering slices or mini pies utilizing local ingredients such as her lilikoi cheesecake, or lemon, and lime.
Poehnelt, who also vends at the Wednesday Culinary Market at the Kukui‘ula Village and the Community Market, Saturdays at the Kaua‘i Community College was liberal in suggesting these locations to shoppers stopping to learn more about her pies.
Melissa McFerrin of the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau who coordinates the Kukui‘ula and KCC markets, said this year will be the first combined Kaua‘i Made and Kaua‘i Grown holiday fair at KCC on Dec. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This is the last big push before Christmas and New Year’s when the KCC Community Market will be closed.
McFerrin said farmers will be joined by local businesses, chefs and crafters in this first-ever celebration that will feature all-day demonstrations, entertainment, Kaua‘i Grown holiday treats, and Kaua‘i Grown foods to prepare holiday meals.
Registration for participants are being accepted by calling McFerrin at 337-9944, or e-mailing kcfb@hawaiiantel.net.
In addition to the holiday celebration, McFerrin said the weekly Saturday markets will offer themes leading up to the Dec. 18 event.
On Saturday, market vendors are scheduled to share their favorite recipes, and on Dec. 11, the emphasis is on shipping fresh Kaua‘i Grown gifts and flowers for a unique treasure for friends and family.
Neil
of Orchid Alley in Kapa‘a, a shipper of live flowering orchid plants, will be providing a demonstration on floral gift baskets and offer tips on caring for flowers.
Time is running short, but there is still time to ship in time for the holidays, states the farm bureau flier.
McFerrin said the Kukui‘ula Village Culinary Market is continuing to grow in popularity on the South Shore from 4 to 6 p.m. with live cooking demonstrations and live entertainment.
