Keizerites can enjoy a luau, cultural artisan fair, and steaming plate of kalua pork at Keizer Rapids Park on Saturday, Aug. 30.
Paradise of Samoa, a local heritage group, is hosting the 14th Annual Luau and Fair from noon to 8:30 p.m. after a four-year hiatus.
“We do this to promote the actual Islander artists. That’s actually the purpose of the fair and the luau,” said Tasi Keener, the founder and director of the group.
The free fair will run until 4 p.m. At approximately 5 p.m., the luau will commence with a buffet line, priced at $30 per person.
The last time the luau was held, a year before the pandemic, Keener said 600 people turned out. Vendors will include Pacific Islander artisans who will sell cultural fine arts and apparel, such as leis and floral shirts.
Hefa’s Otai, a beverage vendor from Seattle, will serve fruit Polynesian smoothies. Otai is typically made from coconut water, shredded coconut meat, and different fruits.
Tasi also invited vendors from other cultures, including a Native American vendor from Portland who will sell fresh-caught salmon.
The Paradise of Samoa band will perform during the art fair at the Keizer Rotary Amphitheater, serenading attendees with relaxing tunes.
“They’re probably going to go on stage from 3 to 4 p.m., until the fair closes,” Keener said.
After the art fair concludes, the buffet line will open to patrons who can enjoy kalua pork, salmon, chop suey, and teriyaki chicken.
Mayor Cathy Clark will provide an opening speech to commence the luau.
“A luau is a celebration, like a festival, an island celebration. To us, it is a celebration of the end of summer,” Keener said
Oats Club Band is scheduled to take the amphitheater stage around 5:30 p.m. The band is from New Zealand and is currently touring in the United States. It specializes in soul-filled, island rock.
At around 7 p.m., the Paradise of Samoa troupe will perform traditional Polynesian dances.
The grand finale will be a fire dance, featuring flaming knives, hula hoops, and other elements. Seventeen dancers, consisting of elementary to high school-aged students, will perform in the fire dance.
“All of these funds, after all of the receipts are all paid, whatever we get left all goes back to the kids for back-to-school shopping,” Keener explained.
She also said the funds are put aside for college scholarships. Last year, they gave a student from their group $1,000 toward tuition costs.
The luau and art fair are funded by grants from the Oregon Community Foundation Creative Arts Program and Marion County Cultural Development Program.
Paradise of Samoa formed around 15 years ago for anyone who wants to learn about Polynesian culture. The nonprofit, currently instructing 23 children, focuses on dancing and is scheduled to perform at 58 shows by the end of this year.
“The dancers, they join our group for free, and I make all of our costumes for everything,” Keener said.
News tip? Contact reporter Riley Ellis: [email protected].
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