Freebies, food, fun at vendors' show
By Katherine Nichols
Advertiser Staff Writer
Floating on the comforting aroma of cooking food, Melody Martin navigated booths at the 37th annual Food and New Products Show. But sampling the latest international wine or li hing popcorn and investigating flooring and landscaping possibilities weren't the only goals of the 'Aiea resident and the five others in her group. "It's a social event we do every year," she said. "We wouldn't miss it. We've been doing it for years."
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
Martin added, "It's a good chance to try all the stuff without buying much," she said. Free samples, social encounters, new ideas and good deals attracted people in droves to the Neal Blaisdell Center Arena and Exhibition Hall on the first night of a show that, for many, is more about the whole experience than the individual purchases.
Ben Sakuma of Pearl City with son-in-law Daniel Chi wait patiently with their arms full of kimono as their wives check the rails at the Food and New Products Show.
That's not to say certain products weren't the draw for some bargain hunters. Judging from the crowd, the place to be was the Marukai corner. In a scene akin to a happening yard sale, people searched piles of kimono and obi and combed through hanging racks.
Pam Nishi, a pathologist at the Queen's Medical Center, carried five or six kimono over one arm. And she was still browsing. "I wear them myself," she said, "and I've got a niece on the Mainland who dances." Other family members were also interested. With prices ranging from $12-$400, she could afford to shop for several people.
"They know that Marukai has been bringing in for them good, vintage kimono," marketing manager Jo Matsu said of the high
level of interest. To facilitate selection, a kimono expert eased through the crowd, advising people in front of makeshift mirrors about length, fit and matching obi.
Sandy Enomoto, an elementary school teacher who also sings karaoke, arrived early to maximize her choices. "I'm strictly for the quantity," Enomoto said as she modeled one kimono in front of a full-length mirror. Because she prefers variety, she said cost efficiency is her concern. Sticking to the $40-and-under area of the rack allowed her the freedom to buy several and not worry about how many times she wears each one.
Not far from the Marukai buzz was the Honolulu Police Department booth. Here, a young man walked a police tape in a makeshift sobriety test, donning goggles that blurred his vision.
Police officers encouraged and teased, "What, you do this plenny, eh?" Laughter ensued as they gave the willing victim his prizes: a back scratcher and a key chain.
University of Hawaii student Darin Muromoto said he and his girlfriend came for the free samples and to browse. He also participated in a few games. "I won this," he said, holding up a can of cleaner/degreaser. "I don't know what it is."
Desiree Tavai lingered near the display of native Hawaiian plants with her husband and two sons. She said they just purchased a new home in 'Ewa and were looking for decorating and landscaping ideas. But the real question on everyone's mind: Would they be able to create dinner from the food samples? She smiled. "Hopefully."
Though most vendors admitted that the products they highlighted were not necessarily new, people seemed enthralled with the variety gathered under one roof.
Something that was different this year, however, was the abundance of patriotic items. Everything from red, white and blue candles to bracelets, hats and flags covered multiple booths.
