Kaʻū News Briefs Sunday, Nov. 26 2023

Created by artist Mkanani, this wreath is named Alice Returns to Volcano Park. It was created from green/blue jewel beetle wings, pūkiawe berries, bromeliad leaves, ʻaʻaliʻi flowers, jobʻs tears seeds, red wiliwili seeds, kalanchoe beharensis leaves, brown monkey pod seeds, araucaria needles, waewaeʻiole, red ti leaves, juniper pine, dried bamboo leaves, agave, podocarpus, autograph tree, uki grass, orchid root, coconut branches, succulents, rabbit foot fern and bay leaves.This and other wreaths in the competition can be purchased at Volcano Art Center or online at https://volcanoartcenter.org/product-category/featured-exhibit/.

THE ANNUAL WREATH EXHIBIT AND COMPETITION AT VOLCANO ART CENTER opened over Thanksgiving Weekend at Volcano Art Gallery, the 1877 Volcano House Hotel historic building

Kapapala Wreath by Jennifer Gomez

within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

The Wreath Exhibit is part of the 24th Annual Christmas in the Country, which continues through Dec. 31. "This year’s Christmas in the Country promises an abundance of creativity and cheer to welcome the holiday season," says the statement from Volcano Art Center Gallery. It is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Christmas Day).
The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of media, techniques, and styles. This year artists engaged with the theme A Walk in the Park. "Those looking for truly original wreaths as well as one-of-a-kind, handmade gift items will not be disappointed by the selection created by the local artistic community," says the Volcano Art Center statement. The exhibit is free, however park entrance fees apply.

Anchiote wreath by Roy Kaneko

The 34 wreaths in the exhibit can be seen at the gallery and most of them online and for sale at https://volcanoartcenter.org/product-category/featured-
exhibit/.
Christmas in the Country also features holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawaiʻi Island artists.
Christmas in the Country has expanded this year to Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus on Old Volcano Road, with additional handmade art and gifts by Hawai’i’s local artists.

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PĀHALA TOWN LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE on Saturday, Dec. 9 is drawing folks to walk and ride starting at 6 p.m. with the route along Pikake and Kamani Streets.
Mayor Mitch Roth and Hawai'i County Council member Michelle Galimba are on board along with Santa Claus, the American Red Cross, local sports clubs, local church groups, community groups and Pāhala Senior Center members.
The parade honors Eddie Andrade who has retired from hosting the renowned Pāhala Christmas Parade with his family for more than 40 years.
The new evening version parade will conclude with picture taking with Santa and his Buddies, some arts and crafts and light refreshments until 8:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.
Pāhala Town Lighted Christmas Parade is co-hosted by County Department of Parks & Recreation.
Parade Committee Chair Shai Lopez-Castenada said that more parade participants are welcome. "We are calling all businesses, farmers, agencies, clubs and individuals to join in the parade."
Parade participants will be entered in a drawing for a Two Guest Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch, sponsored by Body Glove in Kailua-Kona.
Those who would like to enter the parade can call Lopez-Castaneda at (808 )345-0649 or email him at pahalalightedchristmasparade@gmail.com.

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