Post #491136 by Bargoyle on Sat, Oct 31, 2009 8:58 AM

First of all, a HUGE Mahalo to all of the volunteers and attendees that made Ohana such a success this past year.

We've compiled the results of the questionnaires you filled out, and we hear ya loud & clear. There's room for some improvement in some areas, and we're working diligently to make 2010 even better.

Along those lines, the #1 compliant we got was about the cold weather. We listened, and we've made a change.

Ohana 2010 will be during the summer. In the ON season in Lake George, when ALL of the attractions will be open, the pool will be usable, and we'll even be able to do an Imu pit pig roast! All the things that worked & everyone loved will be back, the things that needed help will be helped, and the things that sucked are gone. Its gonna be even better this year! (notice I didnt say bigger? We're going to keep the event about the same size this year...small, intimate & fun, so be sure to buy your tickets as soon as they are available)

So, thats all the good news. The not-so-good news however, is the date.

The ONLY summer weekend available to us at the Tiki, is June 25th-27th.

We realize that those dates may pose a problem for some of you, being so close to Hukilau, and we don't want you to have to choose between events, so let me just say right now: If you can only attend ONE tiki event this year, go to Hukialu (and tell everyone at the Mai Kai I said "Aloha!").

If you can attend TWO....well, you should probably go to Oasis, 'cause sh*t is crazy off the hook out there.

But, if you can get to three, we humbly ask that you consider Ohana.

The move to summer was not one that was taken lightly, and there were just too many positives for making the move, that even with the June date, we had to do it. In addition to all the stuff listed above about being there IN-Season, it also allows us to make an additional donation to the EIF during their same fiscal year. To a non-profit, that's a BIG deal. Alot of non-profits saw their operating budgets plummet this past year with the weak economy and less people donating, and to be able to get a second donation to them will really help.

We're also earmarking some of the funds raised this year (Yes, in case I have to remind you, Ohana is a CHARITY EVENT) for an emergency relief fund we're creating. This will allow the FOM to be able to release money whenever needed, at a moments notice, when important causes pop up throughout the year (like the tsunami in Samoa this year).

Anyway, enough with my yammering.

We should have full details really soon, along with hotel info, and as usual, some surprises.

Ok, I guess I can spill a few surprises right now....

we're working on having Hula Cat's Contest winning cocktail added to the menu at the Tiki, so everyone will be able to try it over the weekend!

And we're also adding a new contest for those who joined us in September. All you have to do is take a picture with your Ohana Magazine, and/or Ohana Swag Bag. The more exotic the setting the better, the more creative, the better. Send the pics to me, along with how you want to be credited for the photo, to: [email protected] The most creative photo will be featured on the website, and you'll get a special prize at the event this year!

More to come very soon!

Mahalo, and we'll see you at the Lake!