The Pacific Heights Express will host its first Polynesian Bazaar in Killeen next month.
The bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 14 at the American Legion Post 223, 208 S. Park St. The event aims to preserve the island’s heritage. Vendors from the city and out of town will showcase their handicrafts to the public, authorities said.
There will also be a variety of dishes highlighting the cuisines of Hawaii, Samoa, Thailand and other countries. The bazaar will feature space outside the building where visitors can eat and listen to a live DJ playing island music. There will also be live dancers performing. Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash-King will be on hand to open the event by presenting two awards expressing the city’s appreciation for making the event possible, according to Helen Gomez, director of the Pacific Heights Express.
“The mayor will be there at 10 a.m. to open the event, and then two certificates of appreciation will be presented to the American Legion Commander and the Auxiliary President for allowing us to hold this event,” Gomez said. “They also let us use their property to practice, and that’s why we’re so honored that they’re hosting us and providing a home for the dancers to practice.”
The Pacific Heights Express has been around for over 30 years and is a Polynesian dance group that takes children in and teaches them various cultural dance techniques. According to Gomez, the organization supports the Killeen area and does a lot for the community, including supporting military families and veterans.
Following the bazaar, the organization will also host its Polynesian Dinner Show on Oct. 26. The main focus of the event is to mentor the dancers by helping them succeed in the community, Gomez said.
