Authentic Hawaiian cuisine and entertainment will be featured during a dual fundraiser.
Aloha, Hawaii! will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 18 under a tent outside the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.
The luau will benefit Bottle Works and the auxiliary to Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, said Rosemary Pawlowski, executive director of Bottle Works.
Sue Wagner is chairwoman of the symphony auxiliary committee.
Guests, who are invited to wear island attire, will be greeted by an offer of a lei and a cup of punch as island music plays.
Matt Wagner and Chloe Wieczorek, local performers who have played at Bottle Works, will welcome guests with the sounds of ukuleles.
Next will come the Hawaiian buffet, which will be catered by Parrot Bay Café, 705 Chestnut St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.
The sit-down meal will feature artisan lettuce with strawberries and walnuts, pork, macadamia nut encrusted mahi-mahi, (common dolphin fish) Hawaiian carmel sweet potatoes, broccoli, punch and fresh fruit.
Authentic island entertainment will be provided by Tuika’s Polynesian Island Magic around 7:30.
“Rachel Allen saw this troupe of Hawaiian performers at the Pittsburgh Zoo,” Pawlowski said.
“They live in Monroeville, but they’re all Hawaiian.”
The troupe will play authentic island instruments as they sing and dance.
The highlight of the evening will be the fire-eaters and dances with flaming batons.
“This will be an educational experience,” Pawlowski said, ever mindful of the Bottle Works’ mission to educate the public about the life of other cultures.
This will be the third year for the benefit, which featured a Hungarian celebration its first year and Greek dancers, music and food last year.
“The music is key,” Pawlowski said of planning the fundraisers.
“This year, we were all over the place, then decided we wanted something authentic and fun.”
There will be an auction of island items such as jewelry, and the whole block will be decorated with birds of paradise and other flowers.
“We’re thrilled to be different,” Pawlowski said.
“It will be like nothing they’ve ever seen. Everyone is welcome.
“Considering the entertainment and the menu, it’s an affordable opportunity to help the two organizations.”
In case of inclement weather, Pawlowski’s plan B is to hold the celebration inside Art Works in Johnstown! 413 Third Ave. in Cambria City.
Those who attend will have the opportunity to win a trip to Hawaii for two with accommodations at the Hilton Hawaii Village Waikiki Beach Resort by purchasing a chance for $75.
There will be 100 tickets sold.
Reservations for the dinner are $50 per person and are required by Friday.
Reservations include the Hawaiian buffet, punch and entertainment. There will be a cash bar.
Benefit
What: Aloha Hawaii! Sponsored by Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center and Johnstown Symphony Orchestra auxiliary.
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 18.
Where: Tent outside of Bottle Works, 411 Third Ave. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.
Tickets: $50.
Information: 536-5399.
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