Keiki Kalikimaka

Prize packages await 3 lucky ornament makers

We’re looking for kids to help us trim our pages as the holidays approach. It’s time for our annual Keiki Kalikimaka drawing contest.

Design an ornament and you’ll have a chance to win first-place prize of $100 plus four passes to Podium Raceway Park, a second-place prize of $75 plus four Consolidated Theatres movie passes, and a third-place prize of $50 plus four Consolidated Theatres movie passes. Starting on Nov. 23, a daily finalist will be printed on Page 1 of the Today section.

On Christmas Eve we’ll run all 31 finalists and announce the randomly chosen winners. The contest is open to kids up to age 12.

All entries must be between 5 and 10 inches wide. No 3-D entries (don’t glue on any objects). We must receive your drawing in the mail — no faxes or emails. Ornaments will not be returned. Attach the entry form. The last day to enter is Dec. 10.

Ala Moana begins to feel a lot like Christmas

Christmas is still more than six weeks away, but it’s not too early to start celebrating at Ala Moana Center.

Starting today, Santa takes his place at Centerstage, the Mele Trees of Light display will be sending holiday tunes through the mall and the Candy Cane Train will be circling the Nordstrom Wing.

Snap a Christmas card photo with the man in the red suit from 10 a.m. daily through Dec. 24. Closing times vary. Professional photo packages are available for a fee.

The annual Christmas synchronized light show Mele Trees of Light will chime daily at 6, 6:30, 8 and 8:30 p.m. through Dec. 23. The free 10-minute show finishes up with a crowd-pleasing cascade of faux snow. Beginning Dec. 9, additional shows at 9 and 9:30 p.m. will be added.

Many keiki eagerly await the return of the Christmas train to the mall. The cars, decorated with oversized treats, will be circling the second floor near Nordstorm today, Sunday and Nov. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The $7 train rides continue daily Nov. 23-Dec. 24; hours vary.

Visit www.alamoanacenter.com.

Personalize your pottery

Get all fired up at the make-and-take raku pottery station at the 38th annual Mayor’s Craft and Country Fair.

Makua Alii Potters is creating pottery pieces, ranging in price from $6 to $12, that participants can glaze from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 17 at Neal Blaisdell Center’s Hawaii Suites.

The pieces will be put in a kiln set up along Ward Avenue and fired while families peruse the goods for sale at the fair. Return in 45 minutes to an hour to take your piece home.

The fair will feature craft booths, homemade baked goods, a white elephant sale and informational displays.

Canned goods will be collected for the Hawaii Food Bank, and the Hono­lulu Lions Club will accept unwanted eyeglasses and hearing aids.

Admission is free. Call 973-7258.

Light shines on festival

A traditional Thai holiday will light up Kapiolani Park today with music, food and cultural demonstrations.

The Loy Krathong Festival, or Thai Festival of Light, runs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Queen Kapiolani Park Bandstand, commemorating the night of the full moon in the 12th lunar month.

Enjoy Thai country music, folk and classical dance, the beat of the Thai Khlong Yao Drums and muay Thai kickboxing and cooking demonstrations.

Purchase or make a "krathong," a floating bowl-shaped vessel most commonly made out of banana leaves and filled with food, flowers, joss sticks, candles and coins.

Light candles and incense, make a wish and send the krathong floating away on water, to drive bad luck away.

Dozens of Thai restaurants will prepare food for sale.

Admission is free. Call 456-4176 or 384-9730.

Animals have their day

An array of animals will be assembled at the annual Ewa Bird Show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 24 at Ewa Elementary School.

The opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. are followed by a bike-riding presentation by the Hawaii Bicycling League and animal demonstrations. A pigeon show begins at 10 a.m.; with a chicken show at 11 a.m. and a rabbit show at noon. Koi and goldfish will also be displayed.

Registration for all competitions will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. A craft fair will be held in conjunction with the event at Ewa Elementary, 91-1280 Renton Road.

Visit www.ewabirdshow.org.