Island Fair

This past weekend we were able to experience a little more of Chamorro culture on Guam at the Micronesia Island Fair.  I was expecting something a little more extensive, more like a county fair, but it was not quite that large. There was a plant booth, but no animals, other than the carabao available for $3 rides.  The other booths sold arts and crafts, food, and books about the islands.  The kids were disappointed that there were no carnival rides - I wonder if there are carnies on Guam. Since the event was small, we were able to linger longer at the booths selling shell crafts, coconut candy and oils, wooden carvings, and other crafts.

Coconut candy in a biodegradable container

Shells for sale for those who aren't divers

Watching the dancers

A man carving a walking stick in a hat that reminded me of Don Quixote's helmet.

A handmade proa - a traditional boat like a canoe that can be sailed.

Workers constructing a new proa

We also enjoyed the interactive children's booth, where an organization that promotes the teaching of Chamorro culture in the schools taught us some weaving skills and coconut shredding.

Learning to weave palm fronds

My oldest learning to shred coconut from a man in native dress - or undress.

Completed slipknot bracelet

Coloring pages that teach Chamorran for Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.

The dancers' ornaments

Orchids for sale.

The best part of the day were performances by dancers from some of the nearby islands, which include Yap, known for its stone money, Palau, famous for coral reefs, Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk.

More photos at the local paper's website.