Applications are being accepted now from crafts, food, non-profit and potential job fair vendors for the 9th Annual Windward Ho‘olaule‘a to be held Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Windward Community College in Kane‘ohe.
            The event is coordinated by WCC and the Kaneohe Business Group.  Admission is free, and an estimated 15,000 people are expected to attend.
            This community-wide, family-friendly event will feature top island entertainment, ‘ono ethnic food, keiki activities, a white elephant and used book sale, a college-sponsored silent auction and community displays. 
Among the featured performers will be Ledward Kaapana, Brother Noland and Holunape, Windward-area hula halau and other groups.
New this year will be a Job Fair to provide information from businesses and training programs.
            “The Ho‘olaule‘a has become one of the biggest community events on the Windward side, with something for the whole family,” said chair Herb Lee.  “This year we’re emphasizing our theme, “E Pu Like Kakou (Let’s Come Together as One). “We wanted to send a message of hope in these challenging times, that we’re one community and need to support each other.” 

• The crafts booth fee will be $120 if reserved by Aug. 15, or $150 after Aug. 15, with tents and lights provided for a booth size of 10 x 10 feet.
            “We’re especially interested in handcrafted, made-in-Hawai‘i items,” said chair Judy Oliveira.  “This will be a chance for crafters to showcase their unique wares to an island-wide audience of residents and visitors.”  Call her at 235-7480 or email judyanno@hawaii.edu or contact co-chair Lance Uyeda at 236-9229, lkuyeda@hawaii.edu.

• The food booth fee will be $400 if reserved by Aug. 15, or $450 after that date, with access to electricity and water. Food vendors can call chair Gus Cobb-Adams at 235-7385 or email gusca@hawaii.edu. 

• Non-profit community organizations who want to provide information about their groups can participate for a $25 donation.  Call Shirley Hasenyager at 262-5069 or email shirleyinhi@aol.com by Sept. 5.

• The Job Fair fee is $25 for any company that wants to reserve table space to promote its business and employment opportunities.   Call Mike Moser at 386-3602 or apply on-line at http://windward.hawaii.edu/hoolaulea/.

            “We’re very grateful for the tremendous community support of this event,” said chair Herb Lee.  “It’s a way to highlight the talent and businesses of the Windward side as well as the educational opportunities at WCC.”
            For more details and applications, go to http://windward.hawaii.edu/hoolaulea.