Spring is almost here, and for Manana Elementary School, that means one thing: the “Celebrate Spring” Craft Fair, which will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12 at the Pearl City campus.<\/p>\n
Now in its seventh year, the fair is organized by the school’s Parent Teacher Organization as a way to raise funds for classroom supplies, class projects, field trip transportation and extracurricular activities.<\/p>\n
“The craft fair has been getting bigger every year,” stated parent involvement coordinator Cheryl Katano. “The first year we had about 40 vendors, but this year we have space for more than 80 vendors because of the popularity of our event.”<\/p>\n
Funds raised by the PTO have been used to support activities such as chorus, junior police officers, track and a schoolwide art competition. This year, PTO hopes to purchase SMART boards for teachers.<\/p>\n
Vendors will include Island Papercraft, Beads and Things by Kori, Benny’s Orchids and Gift Baskets, and Hawaii Aloha Bear Company. Food, including beef stew, Spam musubi, teriyaki beef bowls, fried noodles and chili-cheese nachos, also will be available for purchase.<\/p>\n
The event will be plenty of fun for keiki, too, as it will have inflatables and games.<\/p>\n
“The craft fair is a lot of work, but it is worth it,” stated craft fair chairwoman Lina Yee. “Everyone, and I mean everyone – parents, teachers, cafeteria staff, custodians, office staff, students, school users – everyone pitches in and volunteers their time to help out. We all know it’s for our kids, so we all help.”<\/p>\n