Named by Big Island “malasada historian” Gerald De Mello, the Malasada Shuffle 5K and Family Fun Day will debut from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. June 16 at Wong Stadium in Hilo.
As the Hawaii Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce Cultural and Educational Center races toward its Phase I funding goal, it was a natural for De Mello to turn to original Hawaii Ironman Archie Hapai and suggest a fundraising run.
De Mello and Marlene Hapai are co-chairing the event, an entire day to enjoy ono Portuguese food, play children’s games and view numerous exhibits on the field.
Topping the menu are Portuguese sausage hot dogs, sweetbread, bean soup and a new Portugal favorite, bifanas, a delicious pork slider.
Exhibit applications will be accepted until June 12 and include corporate, nonprofit and government agency exhibits with family fun, health and safety as the focus.
Any business or organization wanting to sponsor this event or participate and promote this focus can visit the chamber’s website, hipcc.org and click on “Malasada Shuffle” for applications and details.
The 5K starts at 8 a.m. There is a course for runners around the perimeter of the sports complex and another for “shufflers,” looping around the inside stadium track. Applications can be picked up at various sports, bike and health clubs in Hilo and also online at the chamber’s website.
Participants also can register at Wong Stadium from 3-6 p.m. June 15 or from 6:30-7:45 a.m. the morning of the event. A $25 donation will give each participant a T-shirt, bag, bib, malasada, admission to the De Lima show and the opportunity to win awards in the following categories: Fastest, Best Portuguese Costume, Largest Group, Youngest/Oldest, From Farthest Away and in each age group. Awards will be given for run and walk categories.
Contests begin at 11 a.m. Judges will be looking for the Best Portuguese Costume, male and female in different age categories; Best Mustache in the Chevron, Pyramid, Handlebar and Walrus categories; and Best Ukulele Performers, individuals in various age categories, no professionals. As the first stringed instruments were brought here by the Portuguese, it is something to celebrate during this 140th anniversary year of the arrival of Hawaii’s first Portuguese immigrant families.
The De Lima show and its accompanying laughter will fill the air at 1 p.m. as De Lima, costumes and all, along with his two-piece band, continues his tradition of humor being good for the health.
Admission to the Family Fun Day is a donation of $5 for adults, $3 for children and children 3 and younger free. Tickets can be picked up at the stadium from 3-6 p.m. June 15 and be sold the day of the event. All proceeds go to the building of the HIPCC Cultural and Educational Center, Saudades, The Longing.
For more information or 5K, contest and exhibitor applications, visit hipcc.org (“Malasada Shuffle”) or call 966-9894 or email mhapai@aol.com.