Posted on: Monday, April 18, 2005
Kailua throws itself a party
By Peter Boylan
Advertiser Staff Writer
KAILUA — Non DeMello has lived and worked in Kailua for much of his life and, like many area residents, he loves it.
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser DeMello, who owns and operates Agnes Portuguese Bake Shop in Kailua, was one of hundreds of area residents who participated or attended yesterday's 13th annual "I Love Kailua" town party. The street party, put on by Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle and Kane'ohe Ranch, occupied about four blocks of Kailua Road fronting Macy's and Longs, filling it with food and craft booths.
The celebration also featured live Hawaiian music and hula performances.
Sharyl Toscano and her 7-month-old son, Christopher, came out yesterday to listen to a family friend play the guitar at a bandstand in front of the shopping center.
"This is the first time I've been to this," said Toscano, a Kailua resident and professor at Hawai'i Pacific University. "It's fun."
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser "It's a small town, with atmosphere," said Dave Pellegrin, who was out enjoying the sun with his wife, Kathleen.
Families pushed strollers or walked in groups along the promenade of food and craft booths yesterday. Clear skies and a light breeze greeted the partygoers, creating an atmosphere ripe for relaxation.
"It's wonderful! There is a lot of good food," said Lyn Norimoto, a medical technician who lives in Kane'ohe but grew up in Kailua.
Nearby, Norimoto's 23-month-old son Jacob squirmed in his grandfather's arms.
Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8110.
"My family's been in Kailua for a long time," said DeMello as he dropped wads of malassada dough into a sizzling, oil-filled fryer yesterday. "This is a great community."
Non DeMello, owner of Agnes Portuguese Bake Shop in Kailua, whips up some malassadas at the annual "I Love Kailua" festival.
Partygoers also enjoyed pasta dishes from Zia's Caffe, meat sticks from Buzz's Original Steak House, pizza from Round Table and other food dishes. Scrip for the food and games were sold along with $3 "I Love Kailua" buttons. The buttons depict a sea turtle resting on a sunny beach.
Lanikai residents Sharyl Toscano and her 7-month-old son, Christopher, were among hundreds at yesterday's "I Love Kailua" festival.
