Weekend Brings Wine, Flowers, and Grease Pole

By Vanessa Wolf

The Barrio Fiesta of yore. Courtesy photo.

As the final May weekend of another year (according to whatever arbitrary calendar we find ourselves following now that our faith in the Mayans has been shattered) dawns, we are here like the US Postal service. You know the one: neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night nor travel to a distant land stays this writer from the swift distribution of information about the upcoming weekend.

Only Event (We Know of) That Involves a Grease Pole

They had us at “grease pole.”

Starting tonight at 5 p.m., Binhi At Ani presents the 44th Annual Barrio Fiesta.

The event celebrates Filipino heritage and history, and the Miss Barrio Fiesta 2013 Coronation and cultural entertainment runs until 10 p.m. tonight.

Beginning tomorrow, May 25th, at 10 a.m., you can participate in games, a talent contest, or a grease pole contest while enjoying food booths and family friendly activities.

The event takes place at the War Memorial Soccer Field in Wailuku.

Best Reason to Drink Wine on the South Side

Last year’s Four Pinots event. Photo courtesy Four Seasons Maui.

Bust out your piggy bank and a hammer, because this weekend, renowned wine experts and master sommeliers will take part in Four Seasons Resort Maui’s Vintage Wine Weekend.

Tonight’s “Private Cellar” event includes a rare selection of library wines from the resort, master sommeliers’, and winemakers’ personal collections and will be accompanied by a menu created by Master Executive Chef Roger Stettler. Attendees are asked to bring their favorite bottle of burgundy or pinot noir to share with fellow wine lovers. The event is $195 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

On Saturday night, guests can take part in one of three wine dinners. Each features two vinters at a different venue, and the first offers the wines of Patz and Hall and Domaine de Chérisey and will be held at Spago with food prepared by Chef Cameron Lewark.

The second, held at DUO with Master Executive Chef Roger Stettler will feature the wines of Kosta Browne and Brewer-Clifton.

The last, held at Ferraro’s with Chef Stettler who will apparently be running between the two restaurants like a madman that night, and presents the wines of Costa de Oro and Witching Stick.

Each of the dinners is $115.00 per person plus tax and gratuity.

The final event of the weekend occurs on Sunday with the Oceanfront Gala, which offers 40 exclusive wines and a menu featuring local produce.

The event is $165.00 per person plus tax and gratuity.

Best Reason to Drink Wine on the West Side

The Aina Nalu Wine and Silent Auction Fundraiser is tomorrow night in Lahaina from 6 to 9 p.m.

Tickets are $50 each and include two glasses of wine, a commemorative glass, and pupus from a variety of local eateries.

There will also be a silent auction with items ranging from fine art to dinner with the mayor and live entertainment provided by Sam Ahia.

Proceeds benefit the Lahaina Complex After School Tutor Project founded, which focuses on enriching the education of hundreds of students in West Maui.

The event will be held in the Aina Nalu Pavilion, located at 660 Wainee Street in Lahaina.

To purchase tickets, call 808-344-5 008.

Best Reason to Stay Up All Night

Photo courtesy Maui Tropical Algae Farm.

Brace yourselves. Tomorrow night the Maui Tropical Algae Farm in Kihei is the Source Intent Full Moon Gathering.

It’s a fundraiser for the Source CORE Burn that will be at Burning Man this year. What the heck is that? Well, glad you asked. The Circle of Regional Effigies (CORE) are created by Burning Man Regional groups from around the world. (And if you don’t know what Burning Man is, well, get on the Google, because that’s something you will want to watch video of to fully grasp.)

Every hour on the hour – yes, even in the wee hours, as this happening doesn’t stop until 7 a.m. the next day – will feature a different band, musician or performer.

Attendees are encouraged to wear a costume and bring a chair and water. Food will be available for purchase during the event, with vegetarian options.

The list of no nos, however, is quite long: No alcohol. No drugs. No dogs. No fireworks. No fires. No firearms. No glass.

The Source Intent Full Moon Gathering starts at 7 p.m. Entry to the event is $20 and is open to those over 18 (under that needs to be with a parent).

Best Reason to Stop and Smell the Orchids

On Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., celebrate the reopening of the newly restored Enchanting Floral Gardens, a living exhibit of exotic plants and flowers.

Located at an elevation of 2,500 feet on the slopes of Haleakalä, the picturesque eight-acre property is home to more than 1,500 imported tropical and semi-tropical botanical species.

The plants there include rare proteas, orchids, hibiscus, jade vines and other varieties that cannot be found anywhere else on the island.

Pack a picnic lunch and plan to explore a veritable Eden.

Enchanting Floral Gardens is located at 2505 Kula Highway in Kula, and the event is free to the public.

Aware of something cool or amazing or incredible or jaw-dropping or WTF that’s happening or going to be happening on Maui? Why are you still sitting there reading these words!? LET US KNOW ABOUT IT: [email protected]