LIHUE — Nakoa Haneberg liked the container more than the gingerbread house it came in she said on Saturday during the Easter Seals Gingerbread Family Festival at the Kukui Grove Center. Nakoa was joined by Kanoe Haneberg and Lianne Kobayashi
LIHUE — Nakoa Haneberg liked the container more than the gingerbread house it came in she said on Saturday during the Easter Seals Gingerbread Family Festival at the Kukui Grove Center.
Nakoa was joined by Kanoe Haneberg and Lianne Kobayashi as they toiled to put together their gingerbread houses, Nakoa spending time viewing the world from inside the clear plastic container containing the pre-fabricated house.
“The secret to building a good house is toothpicks,” said Ron Margolis who was soliciting guesses for how many candy canes were inside a clear jar. “You need toothpicks, or the homes won’t stay together.”
Liz Ann Vidinha, of the Easter Seals on Kauai, said more than 300 gingerbread kits were sold this year.
This represents an increase over last year’s total of 250 kits.
Purchasers could spend time at Kukui Grove to build their homes, or take the kits with them for building at a location of their choosing.
Adding to the excitement, the trio of Darrin “Zabbie” Zablan, Coppin Colburn and Randy Rego was joined by Mary Lardizabal and the Kapaa Middle School Ukulele Band and Chorus in providing entertainment for the builders, face painters and volunteers during the annual event.
The festival, now in its 12th year, is the largest fundraiser for the Easter Seals and netting $200,000 each year to support programs and services for infants, children and adults with developmental disabilities.
CVS Caremark Longs Drugstore was joined by Safeway, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Matson Navigation and the Star Advertiser as sponsors of the Gingerbread Family Festival.
• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
