biz briefs 12-8

Merriman’s dinner benefits scholarship

A 100 percent island-grown dinner and celebration will be held Friday as a benefit to the Merriman’s Culinary Scholarship Fund, a nonprofit program that annually offers scholarships to Big Island students pursuing careers in the culinary arts.

The event, at Merriman’s Waimea, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hawaii regional cuisine and the opening of Merriman’s Waimea on Dec. 21, 1988.

The dinner will feature a varied menu that showcases local farms and ranches, including Kahua Ranch, Honopua Farms and Loeffler Farms. The menu will be created using all Hawaii-grown vegetables, meats and cooking products — from the macadamia oil and salts used during the cooking process to freshly picked produce and hormone-free range-raised beef and lamb.

The restaurant will accept reservations for seatings at 6 and 7 p.m. for the Friday celebration. The cost is $75 per person (alcohol, tax and gratuity not included), with all proceeds benefiting the Merriman’s Culinary Scholarship Fund.

For reservations, call 885-6822, or visit www.merrimanshawaii.com.

Dive club meeting Saturday at harbor

Jack’s Diving Locker Dive Club will meet Saturday for a one tank boat dive. Members should meet at 2:30 p.m. at the harbor location. The club is open to certified divers and snorkelers.

For more information, call 329-7585 or stop by Jack’s Diving Locker in the Coconut Grove Marketplace.

Santa coming to Kealakekua center

Santa is coming to Kealake-kua Ranch Center, and he is bringing snow with him. The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the center.

The event begins with Santa arriving by fire engine about 10 a.m. The day will also feature Christmas music, balloon magic by Joy Banks, an inflatable bouncer slide, crafts and free photos with Santa. Lawn chairs are welcome.