Waldorfaire goes back in time

Long capes, feathered hats, oversized boots, frills and velvet are perfect attire for the Waldorfaire. Attendees are encouraged to don medieval and Renaissance costumes during the festivities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Honolulu Waldorf School.

Activities include puppet shows, rock climbing, a talent contest, pony rides, magic shows, a mini zip-line, face painting and a dunking booth. Event highlights include a blacksmithing demonstration, jousting, archery, simulated ax and spear throwing, a 4-foot handmade mangonel catapult and unique crafts such as wand-making and decorating wooden swords that accompany hand-sewn sheaths. The children’s toy shop offers an array of handmade, eco-friendly toys; the king’s treasure room features an upscale white-elephant sale; and baked goods and fresh fruit can be purchased and dipped into a chocolate fountain.

The fair revolves around a story, "The Tale of the Monkey Pod Trees" that is set in the kingdom of Kindervale. The high-schoolers will serve as the royal court, and talent show winners will perform for the court at the culmination of the event.

The school is located at 350 Ulua St. in Niu Valley. Admission is free. Call 377-5471.

Cull inspiration from nature

Nature is full of a bounty of colors that can inspire art.

The Malama Learning Center offers a family workshop exploring these colors as prints on cards or decorations from 9 a.m. to noon next Saturday at Kapolei High School.

Alyce Dodge of the Honolulu Academy of Arts shares simple techniques of art through color and texture, using plants as inspiration.

The workshop costs $10 per person or $25 for a family of up to three people. Registration is required.

Visit www.malamalearningcenter.org to register (click on "programs" and "without walls"). For more information, call Janice Staab at 542-9107 or e-mail janice@malamalearningcenter.org.

Get ready, get set, go rubber duckies!

Some 20,000 rubber duckies are raring to go for the 24th annual Great Hawaiian Rubber Duckie Race on March 26.

The 100-yard race, which takes place at precisely 1:23 p.m., when the ducks plunge into the Ala Wai canal from the Kalakaua Avenue Bridge in Waikiki, is a benefit for the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii.

The start time is carefully planned each year to maximize the canal’s velocity and outgoing current.

The top 50 ducks to cross the finish line win prizes for their adopted owners.

Pre-race activities, including entertainment, games, duckie paraphernalia for sale and free food take place in the morning at McCully Shopping Center.

To adopt a duck for the race, call the UCPA Duckie Hotline at 532-6744 or visit www.ucpahi.org.