Hawaii Tribune-Herald Island Beat Thursday, April 13, 2017 9 FAIRS From page 8 says event coordinator Julianna Bautista. “We really wanted to cater to the new generation of Hawaii businesses. Everyone wants to capture the spirit of what’s going on during Merrie Monarch week.” Bautista says the 15 vendors are from Oahu and the Big Island, and include renowned photographer Kim Taylor Reece, who also will be a featured designer debuting his line of women’s clothing at the event. “There are so many talented people in Hawaii and not enough room,” Reece says. “Traditionally, Naniloa has always had a display of vendors during Merrie Monarch. With the change in ownership and the remodel, it had to stop. So, while this is the inaugural Marketplace at the Grand Naniloa, it’s also bringing back some traditions that are more than 30 years old.” He says the marketplace will be a fresh, exciting addition to the festival week. “We really focused our effort on making the Grand Naniloa the ‘home of the hula,’” Reece says. “We’ve got some great things happening that you won’t want to miss. I am introducing my newest apparel created here in Hawaii. By bringing in the stars of ‘Project Runway,’ Kini Zamora and Ari South, we hope to add and inspire as much creativity as possible during the event.” Reece says his line is geared toward women: easyto wear pieces mixing modern lines with comfort. “You’re going to love it at home and when you’re traveling,” he says. Zamora also will showcase his latest Hawaiian collection, Kini Zamora HI. “I designed the prints in this collection, and some of the pieces are from Honolulu Fashion Week 2016,” Zamora WHERE TO GO There are a number of arts and crafts events during Merrie Monarch week in Hilo. says. “We are also releasing a brand new print for Merrie Monarch, our laua‘e leaf print. I’ve been doing a lot of hiking lately and that leaf stuck out to me every time I went out into nature. It was gorgeous.” Here are some of the main attractions: Zamora says he’s excited to be part of the Merrie Monarch festivities for the first time. “I felt like it was time for me as a designer to spread my wings,” he says. “I am ready to showcase my collection to the Hawaiian people in Hilo during Merrie Monarch. I want to show people that they can wear Kini Zamora every day.” Another favorite in the Merrie Monarch craft fair circuit is the 24th annual Hawaii Arts, Crafts & Food Festival, which was moved to Nani Mau Gardens. “Although we are sad to leave our familiar location (Sangha Hall), we are happy that our new location addresses many of the problems we experienced as it related to parking and especially public safety,” says event committee member Marlene Vashishta. “The new space will accommodate the large number of people who attend the fair.” Another major change, she says, is the festival will be four days instead of the usual three, from Wednesday through Saturday, April 19-22. “We have a great turnout of artists and vendors participating this year,” Vashishta says. “We are extremely pleased that many of our off-island vendors that have been attending our festival for years have decided to join us at Nani Mau, along with many new vendors.” Vashishta says the thing that sets the Hawaii Arts, Crafts & Food Festival apart is its diversity. “Our festival celebrates the artistic and cultural heritage of our (community’s) diversity through dances, songs, art, language, crafts and fun,” she says. “The various expressions of diversity and creativity can be found at this event through mediums, including painting, prints, sculptures, photographs, carvings, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, musical instruments, handbags, floral hairpieces, lei and much more.” A jewelry maker from Molokai, Keawaike Hawaiian Jewelry, joins the mix with intricately hand-carved opihi and black lip oyster shell pieces. Also new this year is Kamano Woods, who make koa, mango and milo wood bowls, hair pins and vases. Food is a big part of the diversity of the islands and plays an integral part in the festival as well. There will be a food court with Hawaiian plates, poke, smoked meat, waffle dogs, wonton, deepfried bacon, funnel cakes and more. There also will be prize giveaways, music and performances by various halau hula in the central grassy area of the gardens, with vendors stationed in the front entryway, throughout the restaurant, on the outdoor patio and along the covered promenade area. “I think Nani Mau Gardens will be a great backdrop for our festival this year,” Vashishta says. Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair Wednesday to Saturday, April 19-22 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday to Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and Butler Building • Almost 170 vendors and demonstrators. Marketplace at Grand Naniloa Hotel Wednesday to Saturday, April 19-22 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily Wednesday and Friday fashion show at 2 p.m. • Fifteen vendors from the Big Island and Oahu with featured designers Kini Zamora and Ari South. 24th annual Hawaii Arts, Crafts & Food Festival New location this year at Nani Mau Gardens (formerly at Sangha Hall) Noon-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 19; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 20-22 • Dozens of vendors featuring everything from jewelry to clothing to food and artwork. Admission is $2 and includes entry to the botanical gardens; free for children 7 and younger. Hilo Shopping Center Craft Fair Wednesday to Friday, April 19-21 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Free admission • More than 30 crafters from the Big Island featuring wood crafts, jewelry, sewn items, photography, baby items, soaps, lotions, hand-painted rocks, paintings and baked goods. Hilo Hawaiian Hotel Craft Fair Wednesday to Saturday, April 19-22 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Vendors are located in the downstairs ballroom and upstairs lobby. • More than 30 vendors featuring products such as jewelry, clothing and lei. Prince Kuhio Plaza Merrie Monarch Craft Fair Thursday to Saturday, April 20-22 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily • Additional mall tenants during Merrie Monarch week include Manaola, Nahe Wahine, Missing Polynesia, Hawaii’s Finest. Check social media for their individual store hours. There will also be entertainment throughout the week. Manono Street Marketplace, Merrie Monarch Week Craft Fair Thursday to Saturday, April 20-22 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily 681 Manono St. • More than 35 vendors featuring T-shirts, semiprecious and precious stone jewelry, aloha wear, paper crafts, animal hats and more.
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