SATURDAY SCOOPS
Stretch your cash

By Noelle Chun
Advertiser Staff Writer

Shoppers roam aisles searching for deals. Could one be this $25 purse at the stall of SNK Marketplace? Photos by Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Desiree Pearson tries to decide which pair of sunglasses she's most interested in buying. Aloha Stadium Swap Meet 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays 50 cents admission; free when you show a Consolidated Theaters ticket stub 486-6704

The combination of vast selection and low prices attracts people from all lands, whether kama'aina or tourist. "There are a lot of options all in the same place, and you can get everything for half the price," said Thiago Silva, who, with Renee Carvalho, both from Brazil, made a point to go during their vacation in the Islands.

The sunny marketplace sells everything from personalized signs to luscious lychees to silk Chinese dresses. If you miss one deal featuring cheap sunglasses or luggage at one tent, hang loose and know that nearly every item at the meet is sold at various sites. Walk on. The trick is to find the vendor who will barter or already has the lowest-marked prices.

Here's what we found on a recent visit:

• One of the open market's best-known deals: 10 T-shirts for $20. With stands dotting the swap meet, customers can discover an abundance of designs and sizes.
• Individually designed necklaces made of puka shells, koa and mother of pearl are found at the "Handmade with Aloha" booth. The jewelry is handcrafted by the store owners or imported from the owners' relatives in Samoa. Prices start at $10.
• Get cool in the scorching sun: Designer shades are $4 at various tents throughout. Also, look for one of the truck beds loaded with cold fresh coconuts ($3). After you drink the juice, ask the seller to crack open the coconut with his trusty machete so you can eat the meat.
• Your grandmother — and maybe you, too — always wanted one of those dashboard hula dolls. Get one for $6 at the swap meet.
• An array of DVDs sell for as low as $10, and CDs by local and national artists go for about $15.

Despite all the great deals, the standout is the atmosphere — energy amplified by the vibrance of eclectic goods in midday glow.

"We just come just to exercise," said Erlinda Aranca, who was with her husband, Fernando.

That may be the swap meet's best deal.

Not bad for two quarters.

Hey keiki, grab your fishing poles

It's time to reel in the keiki with the Fifth Annual Oceanic Club Fishing Tournament at the Hawaii Kai Towne Center.

The derby starts at 8 a.m. today and runs through 1 p.m. at the Marina Courtyard Stage. Mike Sakamoto of "Fishing Tales" is the special guest and tournament judge.

Hurry, the tournament is open to the first 120 kids, ages 2 to 12. Poles are provided, but it's BYOB (Bring Your Own Bait).

All contestants receive a T-shirt, with prizes throughout.

Sunset bash to help nonprofits on Wai'anae Coast

Sunset on the Beach returns to Ma'ili Beach Park today. The last time it was held on the Wai'anae Coast, an estimated 10,000 people showed up to see "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" on the weekend festival's opening night in March 2002.

But if you're going today, there is a slight twist: Admission price is one can of food or nonperishable food item. The Hawai'i Food Bank will distribute the food to eligible nonprofits on the Wai'anae Coast.

It's a small — and good — price to pay for a festival with highlights such as a health expo with checkups, screenings and demonstrations; door prizes; entertainment; Independent Classic Car displays and, as always, food booths galore.

The feature film lineup is "Heart of the Sea," a documentary about the life of surfing legend Rell Sunn, and "Blue Crush" for tonight and "Shanghai Knights" for tomorrow.

Free parking is available. Shuttle buses will be running from noon to 10:30 p.m. both days along Farrington Highway, with stops at Makaha Valley Road, Wai'anae Mall and the Nanakuli Butler Building.

See Thunderbirds roar in for show above Hickam

It's Friends and Neighbors Weekend 2003 at Hickam Air Force Base. That means a chance to take the kids out today and tomorrow to see the Air Force Thunderbirds' aerial show.

The performances start at 4 p.m. each day, with entertainment, rides and food booths open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today and tomorrow. Limited free on-base parking will be provided for the public, but car pooling is encouraged. Call 449-6367.

'Seabiscuit' lovers: If you want more, sprint to the store for these pony flicks

Seen "Seabiscuit" and itching for more movies? You should be able to get all of these on video or DVD to enjoy in the comfort of your living room:

• "National Velvet": Velvet Brown is a 14-year-old girl who wins a horse in a raffle. She disguises herself as a boy and rides the horse in England's most famous race. (To find out if she wins, watch the movie — or read the book by Enid Bagnold.)
• "The Black Stallion": Based on Walter Farley's novel, it follows young Alec Ramsey, who, along with an unruly stallion, survives a shipwreck.
• "Misty": Based on a Marguerite Henry book, this movie was filmed on Chincoteague and Assateague islands.
• "Miracle of the White Stallions": Based on a true story from World War II. The famous "dancing white horses" of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria, were endangered by Nazi bombing raids.
• "Black Beauty": Told from the viewpoint of a gentle black horse, this classic story shows how Beauty endures many owners in his lifetime. Versions include films made in 1994 and 1971.
• "The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit": An ad executive encourages his company to sponsor a dappled gray show jumper, which his daughter will ride to glory.
• "Phar Lap": New Zealand's most famous racehorse seemed unbeatable.

Wherefore art thou? Hanging out at Showcase 2003 today

Art lovers, you can put that finishing touch on that big, empty wall and that oh-so-plain end table in your living room. Head for Showcase 2003, a sale of contemporary creations by prominent and emerging artists, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

Among the more than 400 pieces offered to the public are works by Satoru Abe, Reiko Brandon, Yvonne Cheng, Vicky Chock, Chuck Davis, Paul Kodama, Rochelle Lum and too many more to list. The sale benefits educational programs at the museum.

Admission is free.

Keola Beamer off to Big Island today

Local musical favorite Keola Beamer heads for Waimea on the Big Island today to celebrate the release of his CD, "Mohala Hou — Music of the Hawaiian Renaissance."

Beamer will be at Cook's Discoveries from 1 to 2 p.m. for a free talk-story session. (808) 885-3633. And he'll give a concert at 7:30 p.m. at Kahilu Theatre, where he will be joined by his mom, Nona Beamer, his hula-dancer wife, Moana, and bassist John Kolivas. Tickets are $25 general admission, $30 reserved seating. (808) 885-6868.