Page 16 - MidWeek - April 12, 2023

16 MIDWEEK APRIL 12, 2023
The Spam Jam Is Back
FROM PAGE 13
The festival celebrates all things Spam and challenges its participat- ing restaurants to incorporate the product in a fun way. Campbell is particularly looking forward to en- joying Spam tacos and Spam pizza.
nity. A portion of its proceeds benefit local charities — namely, Hawaiʻi Food Bank, Waikīkī Community Center and Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaiʻi.
“Some of the chefs just surprise us with different dishes, too,” she says. “We actually make sure that we have a really good assortment so it’s not a lot of the same things. It’ll be a really great variety.”
Hawaiʻi Food Bank serves as a vital link between food donors and food pantries through feeding pro- grams. With the Spam Jam Festival being food-centric, it’s only fitting that it supports the nonprofit and its vital cause, according to Campbell.
Hawaiʻi’s love for Spam is noth- ing new. Hormel Foods launched the product in 1937. Since then, its popularity within the islands has remained strong with flavors like oven roasted turkey, jalepeño, hick- ory smoke, hot and spicy, and the classic original flavor.
Locals, visitors, families — and even pets — are invited to partake in the festivities.
“We know that there’s food poverty among people not only in Waikīkī but all around the island. The Waikīkī Community Center is really the only center of its kind in Waikīkī and it’s really helped our seniors and our keiki,” she says.
Spam lovers will be pleased to know that Hormel Foods plans to unveil a new flavor and will even offer tastings at the festival.
“They’re so much fun. The kids love them. The adults love them,” notes Campbell. “The people that don these costumes are animated and having so much fun. I smile from ear to ear when I see the kids getting their picture taken with Spammy.”
“And then, of course, Visitor Alo- ha Society just does amazing work to help those people navigate the crisis they’ ve just went through,” Campbell continues. “Being able to help the Hawai‘i Food Bank, the Waikīkī Community Center and Vis- itor Aloha Society is like the icing on the cake. The proceeds can all bene- fit these nonprofit organizations that are helping Hawaiʻi.”
Bring your appetite. Guests can expect Spam musubis, Spam tacos, Spam pizza and more. PHOTOS COURTESY WAIKĪKĪ SPAM JAM FESTIVAL
Hormel Foods, the creator of Spam, will unveil a new flavor at this year’s Waikīkī Spam Jam Festival.
A portion of the festival’s proceeds go to local charities including Hawai‘i Food Bank, Waikīkī Community Center and Visitor Aloha Society of Hawai‘i.
“(Spam) is such a versatile item. There’s so many different things you can make with it,” Campbell says. “Spam Jam is a good place to come see how many different ways you can make Spam.”
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since day one. She recalls that the 2019 festival drew between 25,000 and 30,000 attendees. Since Waikīkī is a popular hot spot, Campbell be- lieves the festival can once again hit those numbers this year.
tival’s mascots, also known as the Spammy characters.
s co-founder, Campbell has been heavily involved with the event and its growth
In addition to ʻono cuisine, the event will feature more than a doz- en retail booths on site, highlighting handmade crafts or retail products. Merchandise tents will also be set up for guests wanting official festival items. Among the promised array of Spam-centric products are the vibrant Spam Jam Festival T-shirt, brand-name hats and an exclusive bag from Eden in Love.
“I continue to be amazed that we’ve developed this festival around Spam that is enjoyed by people around the world,” she says.
Visitors and locals alike are in- vited to check out the Spam Jam Fesitval and see Waikīkī in a differ- ent light. Beyond the good food and entertainment, special parking rates will also be available at certain park- ing structures.
Since no party is complete with- out some good music, the festival will set up three entertainment stag- es along Kalākaua Avenue, and fea- ture four to five acts on each stage. From local music to hula hālau, there’s sure to be something for ev- eryone to enjoy.
Because it’s a large-scale event, the festival requires a lot of plan- ning. But with some help, Camp- bell is able to handle her full-time job at Outrigger Resorts & Hotels all the while planning for the annual showcase.
“It’s like Waikīkī is yours for that night. You can enjoy the open street,” Campbell shares. “It’s our event — it’s for the people of Hawaiʻi.”
“It’s a fun-filled evening. The music is phenomenal,” Campbell adds. “It’s great for the family to have some fun.”
“We have a great planning com- mittee. We all have such a great time doing it together and it all just falls into place,” explains Campbell. “We gather volunteers from all over the island to help pull it off. So it’s a true community event.”
The Spam fun doesn’t end at the festival. For two weeks after the event — from April 30 through May 14 — the community can con- tinue to indulge in Spam during the festival’s Restaurant Week event, during which eateries throughout Waikīkī highlight special Spam dishes on their menus. Among the participating restaurants are Kelley O’Neil’s, Hideout at the Laylow, Aloha Table, Giovanni Pastrami and Eating House 1849.
Attendees are encouraged to keep an eye out for the Spam Jam Fes-
Not only is the festival put on by the community for the community, but it also gives back to the commu-
Visit spamjamhawaii.com.