The disco era — a fond memory for many islanders of a certain age, whether they be Macho Men or Dancing Queens — will be revived at this year’s East Honolulu Food Festival, at least for a few hours.

Music that brings back memories, Funkytown threads worn by those willing to brave polyester and platforms, and of course food will be highlights of the evening, presented by Mary, Star of the Sea Church and Schools.

Diverging from the discos of the 1970s, children are welcomed at this event; kids will have their run of a keiki area featuring rock climbing, a miniature merry-go-round and the watchful eyes of the school’s early learning center volunteers, said Rick Manayan, the volunteer event co-chairman.

“We’re trying to make it one of the best deals in town,” Manayan said of the 20 restaurants that will create dishes, and the beer, wine and spirits providers for attendees.

Chefs, their restaurants and their offerings will include Heather Garalde of A Cup of Tea in Kailua, with prime rib, salad and desserts; Teina Anthony of Kahala Nui, presenting Mongolian rack of lamb with mango mint coulis and cranberry almond couscous; Stacey Schille of Nosh, offering pao de queijo, Brazilian cheese breads; and chef Trinh Vu of The Rice Place, preparing “rice-otto,” a take on risotto using jasmine rice. Those are just a few examples out of the nearly two dozen chefs and restaurants participating.

Reserved VIP tables will have meals prepared by MW Restaurant chef-owners Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka.

“It’s one of the only all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink events in Honolulu,” Manayan said, comparing the event to the “Taste of Honolulu” fundraisers for the Easter Seals of Hawaii, years ago.

Young’s Market Co. of Hawaii and Kona Brewing Co. will provide the potent potables at wine and beer booths, but there also will be a booth where people can purchase a la carte cocktails not included in the ticket price. For nondrinkers and kids, plenty of soft drinks will be available.

Displaying an “I Will Survive” mentality that would make Gloria Gaynor proud, Manayan has made the rounds of local TV morning shows to promote the event dressed in disco duds with high-heeled platform shoes that are in amazing condition, given the passage of time.

This is the 12th year of the festival, “and we take the proceeds and spread it among the (school and church) entities,” Manayan said. Funds go a long way, helping the early learning center, the elementary and middle schools, and various outreach programs including a Peace and Social Justice Ministry, homeless and youth ministries, among many others.