Well, OK, maybe not everyone in these Islands adores Spam, but a lot of us sure like it a lot. Just look around: In every supermarket, drugstore, mom-and-pop shop and in many home pantries (your own, perhaps?), there's a supply of Spam.

And for those who appreciate that long-lasting, oh-so-salty bit of Hawai'i tradition, there's the third annual Spam Jam in Waikiki today. The street festival, which expects to attract a crowd of more than 20,000 this year, features Island entertainment (Ho'onu'a, Sudden Rush, Sean Na'auao and others), crafts booths, a kids' tent, giveaways, Spam memorabilia (T-shirts, slippers, cookbooks), Spammy the mascot and, of course, food featuring Spam.

• Fried Spam and noodles from Coconut Willy's;

• Spam somen salad, Ono Kettle Corn;

• Spam katsu, K's Restaurant;

• Spam musubi, Leo's Greek Taverna;

• Spam fried rice, 3 Star Restaurant;

• Spicy Spam poke and other food items, Renaissance Ilikai Hotel;

Stick a spork in 'em, they're done up in Spam accessories: The "blinkies" were in action at last year's street party.

• Spam hot dogs, Royal Hawaiian Hot Dog Company.

Oh, we know what you're thinking. Either 1) OINK! or 2) What about that recent study about processed meats increasing the risk of pancreatic cancer? The answer: All things in moderation, folks!

Anyway, you don't have to munch on Spam to cheer on the contestants in the event's first Mr. or Ms. Spam contest, who will present their ideas for a commercial that best expresses Hawai'i's affection for Spam. The winner gets $1,000 and a year's supply of — you guessed it — Spam.

Don't miss perfect sales for Mother's Day

• A huge crafts and food fair continues at the Blaisdell Center, featuring 250 artisans offering everything from 'ukulele and wreaths to candles and soap and pillows. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow. Admission is $3 general, free for kids 12 and younger. 623-4050.

• More than 150 vendors will offer their best at the Hawaii United Okinawa Association Spring Craft Fair, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Hawaii Okinawa Center in the Waipio Gentry Business Park. Other attractions include entertainment and a silent auction; bring a nonperishable food item for the Hawai'i Foodbank and receive a free andagi. Admission is free, but if you can't wait, you can enter the ballroom 30 minutes early for a $5 donation to the 'Ewa Beach Boys & Girls club. 676-5400.

• Pottery hunters, head for the spring sale of the Windward Potters, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today at the Kailua Elementary School cafeteria, 315 Kuulei Road. Admission is free. 239-5045.

• While you're on the windward side, consider the Lanikai Craft fair, a fund-raiser for Lanikai Park. There'll be handmade crafts, food and music, too. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the park. Admission is free.

• Today is the final day of the Mother's Day Sale of glass and ceramics by University of Hawai'i-Manoa students, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UHM Art Building. Admission is free. 956-5258.

Maui agriculture does its 'Ulupalakua Thing

The thing to do on Maui today is to head Upcountry for the 13th annual 'Ulupalakua Thing, a really big agricultural trade show and festival of food samples, lei-making and flower-arranging contests, a Chefs' Challenge and entertainment on the grounds of the Tedeschi Winery and 'Ulupalakua Ranch.

Entertainers include Melveen Leed, Willie K and Eric Gilliom and Richard Ho'opi'i.

Hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $20 at the gate, free for kids 10 and younger. The Thing is sponsored by the Maui Agricultural Foundation and benefits the Maui Culinary Academy, Maui Community College's agriculture program and the Maui 4-H Livestock Association.

(888) 808-1036, www.ulupalakuathing.com.

Come on down to Thomas Square

The session is free. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, sunscreen and a picnic lunch. www.bluegrasshawaii.com.

Get your game on with Fantasy World Tour

Alert for gamers: The iGames Final Fantasy XI World Tour will stop at PC Gamerz at the Pearl Kai Shopping Center today from 2 to 10 p.m. That means prizes, a Boss Battle Bash, costume contest, a live video link to Japan for a Q&A session with FFXI game developers and other stuff (like a photo opp with a Mithra — if you don't know what a Mithra is, find out today at PC Gamerz).

The event, from Square Enix USA (makers of the "Final Fantasy" film and video games), is free. 485-0873, pcgamerzhawaii.com (hit the link to Square-Enix.com for a special coupon, too).

The topic is turquoise in Kaimuki today

Turquoise is a hot trend, making an appearance in all the fashion magazines in sizzling summer accessories. Learn more about turquoise while enjoying a complimentary cup of Native American herbal tea at a free event from 1 to 4 p.m. today at Native Winds in Kaimuki, 1152 Koko Head Ave., above Bead It and next to Yoga Hawai'i.

At 1 and 3 p.m., owner Wendy Schofield-Ching will give a presentation about turquoise to answer questions such as "How can I tell if it's real turquoise?" and "Does turquoise come in any color besides blue?" At 2 p.m., bead artists will demonstrate basic bead-stringing techniques for those who would like to create their own turquoise jewelry.

In addition, all turquoise beads, jewelry and findings will be on sale at 20 percent off.

Information: 734-8018 or nativewinds1152@aol.com.

Ravi Shankar, musician to world

The Indian instrumentalist and composer Ravi Shankar, right, had a big influence on Western musicians including Beatle George Harrison, left.