JoAnn Hallum
Latest posts by JoAnn Hallum (see all)
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Fresno in October might not make you immediately think of tropical islands and refreshing ocean waves. But, this Saturday, you can forget fall for a second and enjoy a taste of all things Polynesian at the 5th Annual Aloha in the Park!
photo by Maricela Velasquez
Free event for the whole family
Aloha in the Park is hosted by Hālau Hula I Ka Lā, Fresno’s hula school. It’s a free event for the whole family, with music and entertainment as well as food. You can wave goodbye to summer with some shaved ice from Leilani while enjoying performances from Usos (Samoan dance) and Hula Ohana of Fresno. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with a Kino Hana Stretch, which is basically cardio hula. I honestly can’t think of a better way to exercise.
photo by Maricela Velasquez
Bread and Butter will be there to dole out Filipino breads and cakes, and food trucks like Nay Nay’s Filipino Flavors and Bowlzeye will have delicious dining options.
Vendors include tattoo artists like Island Ink Tattoo, as well as goods like Honuvibe sandals. Basically you can find pretty much anything, especially if it’s Polynesian themed, so bring your Christmas shopping list (yeah, I said it!).
You’ll want to stay to the end of the event because there will be Siva Afi/fire knife which is a Polynesian fire dance. Central Valley sunsets are beautiful, but if you add fire, you have an even more winning combination.
How to attend Aloha in the Park
To attend Aloha in the Park, head to Dry Creek Park on the northeast corner of Nees and Clovis. You can bring a blanket or lawn chair (or both) and enjoy island vibes in October. The event runs from 10 a.m. to sunset.
If you find yourself enjoying the art of hula, you can check out future offerings from the Polynesian Club of Fresno (No Te Here O Te Hiroa) or try out lessons at the Hālau Hula I Ka Lā hula school. Click here for more information.