Tree lighting brings snow to Lahaina

Advertiser Staff

LAHAINA, Maui — Snow is in the forecast for Lahaina this holiday season.

Three tons of the white stuff will be manufactured for the town's annual "Lighting of the Banyan Tree" celebration Dec. 7. An area will be roped off where children can take turns playing with the snow from 6 to 7 p.m.

Valley Isle Seafood is manufacturing the snow, which will be brought to Lahaina by Morrad Food Service in a refrigerated truck. Lahaina Ice Co. is contributing a 6-foot-tall snowman.

The festivities include a holiday craft fair and live entertainment throughout the day. Keiki can visit Santa's Workshop on the main floor of the Old Lahaina Courthouse to get a free treat and create a holiday craft to take home.

Lighting of the town's 128-year-old banyan tree will take place at 6:30 p.m. The tree will be adorned with 3,500 multicolored lights donated by Lahaina merchants.

The Lighting of the Banyan Tree is sponsored by the County of Maui. For more information, call the Lahaina Visitor Center at (808) 667-9193 or the Lahaina Town Action Committee office at (808) 667-9175.

The committee is looking for volunteers to help decorate and hang 40 Christmas wreaths for the light posts on Front Street. Wreaths will be decorated at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the Old Lahaina Courthouse. Ornaments and equipment will be supplied. Volunteers also are needed Dec. 4 to put up the wreaths. To sign up, call Ruth Griffith at (808) 667-9175.