Aloha Chicago a Fun and Successful Event

Aloha Chicago was an event sponsored by the Wauconda Lions Club and The Wauconda Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the weekly Farmer's Market.  The street vendors dressed in Hawaiian outfits and many decorated their booths with Hawaiian decor.  The store merchants also got into the theme with specials that were Hawaiian.  Other merchants included Kona Coffee at Honey Hill from Greenwell Farms in Kona; Bliss WIne and Gifts, which had Wine from the Tedeschi Winery on Maui; BullDogs Grill offered The Loco Moco, which is a traditional Hawaiian dish, and the Don Ho Burger which was a Spamburger; Lindy's offered a Hawaiian Hamburger and a Hawaiian Tropical Punch Cocktail and Dreamscapes offered Hawaiian crafts.  Even the dog grooming business had Hawaiian scarfs for dogs.

Many of the visitors to the event dressed up in Hawaiian.  The Lion Club passed out leis and had travel posters up in the windows on Main Street courtesy of the Hawaii Tourist Bureau.  They also passed out leis, making Main Street look like a Luau.

Aloha Chicago presented a 1 hour show and stayed for pictures with people.  It was an exciting show with three girls from Hawaii and many costume changes, even audience participation.  The show included a variety of dances and a little fire dance at the end.

Before the show there were games and contests for the kids, including a dolphin ring toss, Hawaii Trivia, Air Surfing and Pass the coconut which the kids loved and prizes were awarded.

The Lions Club sold 3,500 Raffle tickets for a dream vacation to Hawaii.  This is a $17,000 grand prize which includes airfare for two (First Class), 7 nights in either the Grand Wailea on Maui or the Fairmont Orchid on The Big Island.  Second Prize if a Weekend in Vegas.  Third Prize is $300 cash.

The Wauconda Lions Club is part of Lions International, and is celebrating its 70th year this August. The Lions Club is known for their work for hearing and sight impaired, and provide equipment and training to people who need assistance.  This help is worldwide as the local Lions Club in Haiti was the first to respond the the earthquake there 2 years ago.  The Club also sponsors scholarships for High School graduates, Ballparks, and other organizations.  The funds they raise stay about 90% locally.