The Malasada Shuffle once again shuffles into Hilo at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 22, at Francis Wong Stadium.
This day of family fun begins with the signature 5K. Participants are invited to run or walk a route bordering the Ho‘olulu Complex, with glimpses of Lili‘uokalani Gardens, the Wailoa River and the small businesses historically lining Piilani and Kalanikoa streets. Registration forms, a course map and the day’s schedule of events are available at the Hawaii Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce website (hipcc.org).
Participants can download forms and mail them in or bring them to register from 3-6 p.m. Friday, June 21, or 6:30-7:45 a.m. the day of the event at Wong Stadium. The 5K (3.1 miles) begins at 8 a.m. and costs $25 to enter, which includes a T-shirt, bag, bib and one malasada. There are age group awards for runners and walkers.
For those wanting to just take in some of Hilo’s fresh morning air and get a little exercise, they can register and shuffle as many times as they want around the stadium track.
Other awards will be given for best Portuguese costume, largest group, youngest/oldest and participants coming from the farthest away. Awards will be announced and presented at 9:30 a.m.
At 10:30 a.m., everyone present is invited to join the mustache contest. There will be prizes in four categories: chevron, handlebar, pyramidal and walrus.
From 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., clap, tap your feet or dance to the music of Pure Country. Throughout the day, enjoy children’s games (all $1 each to play), exhibits and Portuguese food.
Sweetbread, malasadas, Portuguese sausage hot dogs, bifanas and beverages will be available for sale. Bifanas, served last year for the first time, are a Portugal favorite. These “pork sliders” feature pork marinated in olive oil, white wine, lemon juice, garlic, chili, salt and pepper, cooked and served in a bread roll.
The Hawaii Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce Cultural and Educational Center Fundraising Committee continues to feature events throughout the year to raise funds to build “Saudades” (“The Longing”), a Portuguese cultural and educational center designed to service all the community. Not only will it share the stories of Hawaii’s Portuguese explorations, emigration and assimilation, it will provide the opportunity for all Hawaii’s families to experience family reunions between Hawaii and anywhere in the world using today’s technology.
The Malasada Shuffle is free and open to the public. All proceeds support the building of “Saudades.”
For more information, visit www.hipcc.org.
Donations also can be made at the website or written and mailed to: HIPCC Cultural and Educational Center, P.O. Box 1120, Hilo, HI 96721. All donations are tax deductible.
Other inquiries can be directed to Marlene Hapai, HIPCC Cultural and Educational Center president/interim director, at mhapai@aol.com or 966-9894.