A goal of the Hilo Orchid Society is reaching out to the next generation during its annual show each summer. This year’s event, Friday through Sunday at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium, will be no different.
“Every year, we have activities especially targeted to keiki,” said HOS member Dorothy Imagire. “Parents appreciate that everyone 18 and younger gets in free, making the orchid show a great family summer outing.
“This year, the East Hawaii Cultural Center is partnering with us to offer keiki the chance to make a silk screen printed T-shirt with an orchid design on Saturday. Artists from the Donkey Mill in Holualoa created orchid design stamps for keiki to make their own prints.”
Keiki also will learn the different types of orchids by going on a scavenger hunt, said Nathan Sherwood of Akatuska Orchid Gardens in Volcano. Keiki will learn how plant orchids (hint: not in the ground) at 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and then take home their first orchid.
In addition, there will be live music from 3-4 p.m. Friday and the “Balloon Guy” returns 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday to create free balloon animals.
Teenagers will want to learn about the Yasuji Takasaki Memorial Scholarship that supports students studying some aspect of horticulture at University of Hawaii at Hilo.
“Kaleidoscope of Orchids” hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets at the door are $5 for adults, $8 for a three-day Superpass and free for ages 18 and younger.
For more information, visit www.hiloorchidsociety.org.