Alu Like’s free fair to promote isle literacy

Alu Like’s Native Hawaii Library (Ka Waihone Puke ‘Oiwi) will be holding its third annual Kauikeaouli Literacy Fair next Saturday at its headquarters in Kakaako.

The fair promotes literacy in Hawaii while honoring Kamehameha III’s vision of a literate nation. The free fair features book for sale from local publishers and education resource providers, along with food booths, storytelling, a native plant sale, a silent auction, lomilomi massage, holiday crafts and entertainment by Na Leo Pilimehana, EMKE and the Nanakuli Performance Arts Center.

Free parking will be available at South and Pohukaina streets. Alu Like is located at 458 Keawe St. Call 535-6700.

Holiday train gets ready for keiki at Pearlridge

Hop aboard Pearlridge Center’s Express! train for the holidays. The custom-built miniature locomotive is revving up its engine for the holidays, starting at 10 a.m. Friday.

The locomotive can carry up to 15 keiki under 48 inches at one time.

Tickets are $3 each, or $25 for a 10-ticket Pearlridge Express ride booklets (which saves $5). The train will run daily through Jan. 2 at Uptown Center Court.

Children’s festival offers traditional blessings

It’s time again for the Shichigosan Children’s Festival in Honolulu.

The traditional Japanese event is specifically for boys ages 3 and 5, and girls ages 3 and 7, who visit a Shinto shrine to receive divine blessings.

Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha-Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu will hold blessings for children of these ages today and tomorrow and next Saturday and Sunday. Complimentary kimono rentals and dressings are available upon request. Candy and a goodie bag will be presented to the children. A $50 donation is requested. Bring your own camera for pictures.

Reservations must be made in advance. Call 841-4755 or visit www.e-shrine.org.