Organizers are expecting as many as 15,000 people to turn out for the first Taste of Kalihi on Saturday, a block party that will feature eateries, free entertainment and a massive "electric slide" line dance.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Colburn Street, and feature dozens of food vendors and booths for Kalihi organizations.

The block part is part of a bigger, city-driven effort to revitalize the community. That kicked off with an economic summit in April.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who grew up in Kalihi, said the event is designed to attract a diverse cross-section of the community to one place.

"We're very happy to be a part of this," he said Wednesday at a news conference on the grounds of Farrington High School to promote the event. "There's going to be many opportunities (at the block party) for people to look back to their childhood days ... but also look to the future."

Jack Legal, president of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce, said the Taste of Kalihi is meant to attract attention to the slew of businesses, eateries and nonprofits in Kalihi.

"I think this is a very good venue for us to contribute to the economic revitalization of Kalihi," Legal said.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Kalihi Weed and Seed.

In addition to free entertainment, including a song from the mayor, attendees will be challenged to set an "electric slide" dance record.

The event will also feature a farmers market and car display.

Organizers had originally planned to hold Taste of Kalihi on Sept. 8, but the event was pushed back because it conflicted with other gatherings. On Saturday, Taste will still have to compete with a "fresh food festival" at Kaka'ako Gateway Park, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. But community leaders are confident turnout will be good.

"The Taste of Kalihi is ... where the community gathers together in sort of a visible way to give their support" to the revitalization effort, said pastor Wayne Cordeiro of New Hope Christian Fellowship.