About Town | 6-12-14

Mai Tai Festival seeks mixologists

Mai Tai Festival seeks mixologists

The sixth annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival is scheduled for Aug. 16 at the Royal Kona Resort. The event promoters are looking for mixologists to compete for the title of “World’s Best Mai Tai” and a $10,000 first prize for the winning recipe. Entry deadline is July 1 and the top 21 bartenders will be selected to compete at the event.

Last year, mixologists from around the world celebrated the legendary mai tai cocktail, with Wendy Agustin from Haliimaile General Store on Maui taking home the title and the cash. Registration is online at donsmaitaifest.com.

To enter, contestants must submit a registration form, photograph of their mai tai creation, recipe that features Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum with exact proportions, and specific glassware needed for proper presentation of the concoction. Creativity and the libation’s name will be part of the judging. Participants must bartend for the bar or restaurant they represent and they must stay at the resort during the event.

In addition to the Mai Tai Mix-Off, the one-day festival will offe other activities, including live entertainment featuring award-winning musician Henry Kapono at a free pool party, tastings and voting for the best barbecue in Hawaii at the Battle of the BBQ contest, and shopping for island treats and locally produced goods and crafts at the Mai Tai Marketplace.

Entry for the public for all Mai Tai Mix-Off events is free. The Mai Tai Marketplace and Battle of the BBQ contest will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Henry Kapono’s Pool Party will go on from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The Mai Tai Mix-Off is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m.

Further information and registration forms for the Mai Tai Mix-Off, Crafter’s Marketplace and Battle of the BBQ can be found on online at donsmaitaifest.com.

Police planning community meeting

The Hawaii Police Department will hold a community meeting from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Hawaiian Homes hall in Waimea.

The purpose of the meeting is to allow the public to meet the police department’s command staff and to discuss concerns with the police chief and commanders who oversee police operations in the South Kohala District.

To aid police commanders in focusing on specific concerns, it is requested that participation be limited to individuals who live or work in the South Kohala District.

Those interested in participating but unable to attend may call Maj. Mitchell Kanehailua at 326-4646, ext. 270, stop by the South Kohala police station in Waimea, or email their concerns or comments to copsysop@hawaiipolice.com.

Sofranac offers Parkinson’s program

Madeline Sofranac, doctor of physical therapy, presents a program on “Parkinson’s Wellness — Empowerment Through Movement” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday at Tutu’s House in Waimea. Those attending should dress comfortably to get the whole body involved in an exercise class. All levels are welcome and encouraged to attend, and modifications will be offered for everybody.

Tutu’s House welcomes all and shares a variety of educational resources in a safe place to explore health and wellness. There are no fees for Tutu’s House programs, but tax-deductible donations are welcome. To register to attend, call 885-6777.