LOWER LAKE — Grass skirts, fire dancers and an authentic Hawaiian-roasted pig were just a few of the highlights Saturday at the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce”s “Luau by the Lake” fundraiser. About 250 guests attended the event held at Vigilance Vineyards” country lodge that overlooks Anderson Marsh in Lower Lake.
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we really depend on its success. The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce is grateful for the wonderful support displayed by the community not only of those who showed up for the party also all those area business people who donated prizes and their precious to make this event the great success it was,” Carolyn Shipley, board director, said. “And, as usual, the local high school students who took time from their summer vacations to help with this event were awesome.”
The evening”s entertainment lineup began with a selection of fiery dances by Obsidian Butterfly, of the Sacramento area, which specializes in flame-filled Island dances. Guests were captivated by the performances of Georgia Kukowski, Demitra Washington and Rayen Cayuqueo-Lowry, whose dances featured flaming hula-hoops, torches and fans and even a fiery sword.
The Hewlett Dancers, featuring “Pauanani,” which means beautiful flower; “Leilani,” which means lei from heaven; and “Kawehilani,” which means gift from above; delivered Island dance performances depicting love and beauty. Their set included ancient and modern hula numbers, dances depicting beautiful places on the Hawaiian Islands and other illustrative selections. Additionally, the crowd was treated to special performances by Evelyn Vela, who drew favorable reactions from the audience.
“We have a real treat for you now. Our next dancer, Eve, flew in all the way from Guadalajara, Mexico to be here with you today,” Alice Reece said. “Eve developed a passion for Polynesian dancing when she was a Rotary exchange student living here in Lake County three years ago. She was fortunate to find a school in Guadalajara that has classes in hula and Tahitian dancing. She has been a student there for the last one and half years.”
The evening”s entertainment culminated with a performance by Reece”s hula students, who will are currently preparing for the upcoming youth services fundraiser “Spirit of Aloha.” Dancers included Krystal Patrick, Stephanie McAllister, Melody Staats and Heather Rulka.
Obsidian Butterfly will also be making another Lake County showing on Aug. 27 at the “Light up the Night” Luau for Leukemia fundraiser at Loch Lomond Roadhouse.
For more information regarding Light up the Night event, contact Sarah Focose at 350-5620.
