Local Artisans and Restaurants Invited to Apply for Booths at World Whale Day

Local artisans and restaurant owners are invited to apply for booths at Pacific Whale Foundation's upcoming World Whale Day Celebration, which will be held on Saturday, February 18 at Kalama Park in Kihei from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. There is also a need for volunteers to help with all aspects of the Whale Day. The day will feature live entertainment by Anuhea, Hapa, John Cruz, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Marty Dread with a guest appearance by Erin Smith, Nuff Sedd and Willie K, plus hula performances by Manute'a Nui E.  The public is invited and admission is free.

Recognized as Maui's largest whale celebration, World Whale Day (formerly known as Whale Day) attracts over 16,000 visitors and residents with its slate of all-day live entertainment. This year, World Whale Day will feature expanded hours until 8:00 pm, and entertainment on two stages.  In addition to the Made on Maui artisans' fair and food booths by popular Maui restaurants, World Whale Day will also include a keiki carnival, Parade of Whales (beginning at 9:00 a.m.), Wild and Wonderful Whale Regatta, silent auction, environmental displays and educational activities for kids.

"We are proud to showcase the work of Hawaii's local artisans and restaurants at the newly expanded World Whale Day," said Toula Vivilakis, Events Coordinator at Pacific Whale Foundation.

There is still remaining space for additional local artisans to sign-up for the "Made on Maui" Artisan Fair. Because Pacific Whale Foundation practices a strict ocean preservation policy, handmade items that include marine life items such as shells or coral will not be accepted. In addition, all products sold must be made on Maui.To sign up for the "Made on Maui" Artisan section of World Whale Day, please visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org to download an application form.

There are also openings for additional restaurant food booths at World Whale Day.

"World Whale Day gives restaurants the opportunity to showcase their offerings to a very large and appreciative audience," said Vivilakis. "Visitors who sample your food at World Whale Day are more likely to visit your restaurant later that day or week."

To learn more about hosting a food booth, please email toula@pacificwhale.org.

Volunteers are urgently needed, too. Those wishing to volunteer to help with World Whale Day should visit  http://mauiwhalefestival.org/get-involved/volunteer

to sign up for a shift. Volunteers can also call (808) 856-8320. All volunteers will receive a free World Whale Day or Maui Whale Festival t-shirt after three hours of work.   

The Silent Auction tent is also seeking donations of goods or services. To donate silent auction items, please contact Leslie Daniels, Silent Auction Coordinator, at (808) 856-8347 or via email at lesliedaniels@pacificwhale.org.

World Whale Day is presented by Pacific Whale Foundation, with support from Hawaii Tourism Authority, County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Expedia Local Expert and County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation.

World Whale Day is part of the Maui Whale Festival, which is also hosted by Pacific Whale Foundation and takes place from late November through mid-May. The Maui Whale Festival celebrates and honors the thousands of humpback whales that migrate to Maui each winter. Maui is the principal mating and calving area of North Pacific humpback whales in the United States. It is the place of new beginnings for the next generation of whales. Through fun and educational events, the Maui Whale Festival raises awareness about these cherished marine mammals and inspires the public to care for the vital and unique whale habitat encompassed by the four islands of Maui County. To learn more, visit www.mauiwhalefestival.org.

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