Our Picks for the Weekend Star-Bulletin staff

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CULTURE

Royal dinner to wrap up 2006 Aloha Festivals

The parade has passed, the Royal Court has discharged its duties -- the 2006 Aloha Festivals celebration draws to a close with a Royal 'Aha 'Aina Saturday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

The evening will showcase winners of the Aloha Festivals Falsetto Contest, and will include a performance by Genoa Keawe.

Also: a silent auction and dinner, in the tradition of marking notable occasions with a feast.

Joining in the entertainment will be Lawrence Pau and Ohana Nui and Kawika Trask and Company.

Tickets are $70; $60 with an Aloha Festivals ribbon. Corporate tables of 10 are also available. Tickets are available at the Aloha Festivals Office at Ward Warehouse, or may be purchased at the door.

FAMILY

New food products show a tasting extravaganza

The annual Food and New Products Show is a shopping, tasting extravaganza that can be disguised as research.

After all, is it not in the best interests of the household to investigate what's new in the way of both fresh produce and packaged foods? And don't forget the cooking demonstrations -- there's another learning opportunity.

It's not all about food, either. You can also check out new cars, health and fitness products, crafts, fashion and jewelry. Home remodeling and personal finance advice is also available.

It all takes place at the Blaisdell Center, with food in the arena and everything else in the exhibition hall.

Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $6; $5 for children, seniors and military. Call 945-3594 or visit pacific expos.com.

PETS

Pet owners can still hear 'Dog Whisperer'

Fans of TV personality Cesar Millan will want to act quickly: You can still get tickets until 5 p.m. Friday for the Honolulu appearance of the star of National Geographic Channel's "Dog Whisperer."

For canine owners struggling with wayward pups, Millan just might be the answer: He will hold a three-hour dog-training behavior seminar on Saturday. The event is just for owners; no pets allowed.

The show takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McKinley High School; doors open at 8:30. Topics will include learning to recognize the "animal" behavior in your beloved pets; how different energy levels affect a dog's personality; how people's behavior toward man's best friend affects pets' behavior.

Tickets are $105 and available through www.honolulubox office.com, in person at 1188 Bishop St., Suite 609, or by calling 550-8457.

STAGE

Broadway player to direct Mililani 'Oz' fundraiser

The O'ahu Arts Center stages its first musical production, "The Wizard of Oz," at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Mililani Mauka Community Park.

Kristi Kashimoto -- who has performed in musicals for more than 13 years in New York City, Hawaii and with tour companies -- is directing the production.

Mililani Middle School sixth-grader Chloe Amos plays Dorothy, fresh off her performance in the Honolulu Broadway Babies production, "Broadway Mixed Plate 2006: Fresh off the Boat."

Tickets $15; $10 for children. Call 848-7632 or visit www.oahuarts center.org.

Proceeds will go toward the design and construction of an arts education center and performing venue in Mililani Mauka, on land donated by Castle & Cooke Homes Hawaii, to serve central Oahu and the Leeward coast.