Win a date with the Laie Lady

The Polynesian Cultural Center’s Haunted Lagoon was so crowded during last year’s Halloween season that people had to be turned away. But kids can win a sneak preview of the creepy canoe ride, courtesy of the Haunted Lagoon Artwork Contest, which is now accepting entries.

The Haunted Lagoon is a 30-minute fright-ride through the cultural center’s villages. "One of our resident ghouls, the Laie Lady, will be there," said spokeswoman Aimee Vogelsang.

The production features a cast of more than 100 people and is "really scary, with huge animatronics and fire," she added.

The canoe ride opens Oct. 1 and runs Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until Oct. 23. From Oct. 25 until Halloween, the ride runs every night. Vogelsang recommends going to see the show early, or booking in advance for a date close to Halloween.

Winners of the art contest win free admission for four to a sneak preview on Sept. 24. Children in kindergarten through sixth grade can create their own artwork or download an outline from www.hauntedlagoon.com and color it in, adding any features they want. Entries are due Wednesday at 5 p.m. One winner from each grade level will be selected and notified by Sept. 22.

Entries should be sent to:

Attn: Larie Manutai
Haunted Lagoon Artwork Contest
Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway
Laie, Hawaii 96792

Contact Manutai at 293-3068 or by e-mail at manutail@polynesia.com for information.

Contest seeks cute keiki

It’s time for proud parents to show off their beloved keiki in the Meadow Gold Dairies’ Healthy Baby Contest.

Registration runs through Sunday, Sept. 26.

An annual tradition since 1953, hundreds of toddlers compete each year for the title, which is judged on physical appearance, healthiness and personality. The top five are awarded a U.S. Savings Bond ranging from $500 to $2,500, as well as numerous toys and prizes.

The finals will be held on Halloween from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ala Moana Centerstage.

To register, go online at www.lanimoo.com.

Pearlridge hosts child performers

The seventh annual keiki ho’olaule’a showcases the Aloha Festivals theme, "Mele ‘Ailana: Celebrate Island Music" at Pearlridge Center today. Arts and crafts, demonstrations, hula, live music and more will be highlighted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Uptown and Downtown center courts.

The Aloha Festivals Royal Court will make a special appearance. Aloha Festivals ribbon wearers will be given discounts from participating mall merchants. Call 488-0981.

Kupuna get their day

Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center will be hosting a Grandparents Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow.

The event, which provides one free grandparent’s admission for each paid child’s admission, includes craft stations to make greeting cards and print wall hangings. Cookie decorating costs $1.

The children’s museum is also accepting reservations for its annual Keiki Costume Ball on Oct. 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Children can explore the museum, play Halloween games and enjoy a carousel ride and trick or treat throughout the center.

Admission is $16, $10 for members, and includes dinner. The registration deadline is Oct. 22, but the event usually sells out early. Call 524-5437 or log on to www.discoverycenterhawaii.org.

HiSAM opens doors for families on Saturday

On the heels of the First Friday downtown gallery walk will be Second Saturday next week at the Hawaii State Art Museum, 250 S. Hotel St.

The free family event, "The Artful Hand," will feature hands-on learning activities and quick tours of the museum.

Clay, wood, fibers and more will be used as members of the Hawaii Craftsmen teach visitors to build a ceramic piece and use the potter’s wheel. Demonstrations will include wood turning with a lathe and watching a professional jeweler at work.

Art activities are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the museum’s art galleries will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Call 586-0900 or visit http://hawaii.gov/sfca and click on "Hawai’i State Art Museum" on its home page.