Park Goes Hawaiian for Festival

Island breezes and ukulele tunes will waft across Northridge Park today in a spring festival that celebrates Hawaiian culture and raises money for youth scholarships.

Now in its 27th year, the Northridge Ho’olaule’a, sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Ohana Kakou, features performances by a Samoan drum corps, hula dancers and ukulele groups from Ventura, San Fernando and Newport Beach. About 40 merchants will sell island jewelry and clothing and cook traditional fare such as lo me salmon, poi and malasada, a Portuguese sweet bread.

Last year, the event drew more than 10,000 visitors from across the Southland and elsewhere.

Entertainment Chairwoman Maebelle Librando described the event as “a close-knit, homey festival” with many repeat visitors and performers. Several booths will be hosted by clubs trying to raise funds for their activities.

Last year, Ohana Kakou raised enough money to present $250 scholarships to 13 graduating high school seniors, Librando said.

Today’s performances will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Parking costs $2.