KILAUEA — Jeri Jenkins of Nevado, California came to see the hula dancers, but had to settle for Tahitian drummers Sunday during the Island Craft Fair on the grounds of Kaua‘i Mini Golf in Kilauea. “We read about this in
KILAUEA — Jeri Jenkins of Nevado, California came to see the hula dancers, but had to settle for Tahitian drummers Sunday during the Island Craft Fair on the grounds of Kaua‘i Mini Golf in Kilauea.
“We read about this in the paper and thought we would see the hula dancers,” Jenkins said. “But they said the hula dancers will be coming on later. We’ll stay for a little while and see what happens.”
Jenkins said the location for the event was perfect because they were staying on the North Shore.
Situated under a giant tent, Risa Clemmons, coordinator for the Island Craft Fair, said about 40 vendors registered for the craft section, about the same amount as her Po‘ipu fairs.
The crafts were combined with several farmers in a mini farmers market outside the main tent and a few food vendors offering a variety of eats, ranging from snacks to a full plate lunch, as well as refreshments.
“This is the first time we’re doing this in Kilauea,” said Clemmons, who normally coordinates fairs in Po‘ipu.
“We didn’t know how it would turn out. Today’s fair benefits the Malama Pono Health Services.”
Tying in with the fair, neighboring organizations capitalized with their own respective in-house specials to help draw shoppers to the area near the Kaua‘i Mini Golf course.
“I thought I was done for Christmas,” said Karin Panui of Mailelani’s, a Kaua‘i Made vendor. “But this one (fair) came along and I thought we would see how it would do. After this, I need to get to sewing.”
Panui said that, while shopping started out slow, shoppers started to show up once they got breakfast out of the way.
“I think it’s going to be good,” Panui said. “People are only now getting up and the crowd is getting stronger.”
One vendor commented about how she was able to check out the park area because she participated in the craft fair.
“This turned out pretty good,” Clemmons said. “We’re already planning for the next craft fair which will be held on Feb. 9 in Po‘ipu. This one coincides with Valentine’s Day and will also benefit the Malama Pono Health Services.”
Vendors interested in signing up for the Po‘ipu fair can call Clemmons at 652-8586.
