KEKAHA — Unlike the past weekend of rain, cloudy and more rain, St. Theresa School (STS) is forecasting fun for Friday and Saturday, when the school hosts its single biggest fundraiser carnival at its oceanside campus.
Gates open at 6 p.m. and the fun continues until 10 p.m. on each night.
“As the opening day gets closer, the outpouring of help, donations and ideas is such a boost,” said STS Principal Wendy Castillo. “I love it! It never ceases to amaze me at how our community pulls together to make this important event happen.”
Castillo said the goal of the long-standing carnival is $100,000 to support the operational costs of the school.
“This school is an investment in our children,” Castillo said. “And this carnival is an investment in our school. Every donation of time, talent or money makes a difference.”
Gina Duarte, owner of Gina’s Anykine Grinds in Waimea, is an STS alumnus and a supporter of the annual STS carnival. She’ll be hosting the Pronto Pup booth. Or, as Gina describes, “Pronto Pop. Which is it? Pup or pop?”
STS says that Gina’s will be joined by the West Kaua‘i Methodist Church malasadas, the Ultimate STS Flying Saucers, ono Kiawe Chicken Plate, plus hamburgers, port and peas, saimin and ‘mo’ stuff so all guests are sure to leave with a smile and a full stomach.”
To work off some of those calories, the entertainment lineup “is going to knock your socks off.”
Starting with the ceremonial flag and prayer featuring all the STS learners, the night goes into high gear with Cruz Control, the MKF Folkloric Filipino Dance group of cultural precision dances and upbeat music, the fire knife stylings of Siva Afi Kawika (you’ve seen him in Waimea on some of those Friday evenings), and wrap up with Cherry Cherry, the Neil Diamond Tribute band that is a huge supporter of Catholic education, and traveling from the mainland to play at the carnival.
Cherry Cherry will bring its Rock and Roll Bob Seger Show on Saturday to set up the line dancing with VagnHI and the STS parish pastor Father Edwin who will have a hula of his own.
The Kaua‘i All Girls Rodeo will be doing pony rides on Friday only because they have a big rodeo say on Saturday. But the Fun n Kwazy Rides with their Turbo Tubs and Supersonic spinners join the more than 10 games and challenge booths to visit along with the novelty shop, Charola booth and for this time only — Bingo!
The Mattos ‘ohana, a Kekaha ‘ohana that has been a part of St. Theresa School for generations, will host The Country Store that will feature baked sweetbread from the Holy Cross Altar Society ladies, fresh prime meat cuts, jams, jellies, honey, homemade goods and a lot more.
The STS Silent Auction will be ongoing on Friday and Saturday with the winners being announced on Saturday night. Businesses or individuals interested in contributing goods or gift certificates to the auction can contact Lani at 808-337-1351, or email office@sttheresakauai.com.
