Magician Michael Villoria.

Celebrate keiki at the zoo

The Waikiki Children's Festival's Ultimate Keiki Fun Day Saturday at the Honolulu Zoo boasts an impressive entertainment line-up, but the performers were not chosen for talent alone.

Organizers wanted participants who could be good role models, said event director Jeff Apaka. "We want to stimulate children's minds and pique their interest in sports and studies," he said. "We want to push for them to stay away from drugs and stay in school."

KEIKI FUN DAY Where: The Honolulu Zoo When: Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets: Ages 13 and up, $8; ages 2-12, $5; under 2 years old, free; Family Pass $25 (two adults and three children). Admission includes entry to the zoo and lunch (served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Available at Tower Records, Tower Video, Records Hawaii, Agape Shoppe, The Giving Tree, Logos Bookstore, Showers of Blessings and Waikiki Community Center. Call: 923-1802

Darrell Labrado, a freshman at Molokai High, is among the young entertainers on the bill. His "Shaka the Moon" disc is topping the charts in Maui County and his live performances are a hit with young fans, according to Brad Thayne of Monkeypod Records.

Adult role models include First Lady Vicky Cayetano, magician Michael Villoria, and entrepreneur and mother of the year Cha Thompson. Musicians include BB Shawn, Pomai and Loeka, the Opihi Pickers, Bruno and the Love Notes, and Moke Boy.

Molokai's Darrell Labrado.

Apaka didn't find it difficult to engineer the lineup of stars. "Our Hawaiian entertainers, they've got so much aloha," he said.

There will be petting zoos, lunch, a Pokemon trading post, a Beanie Babies booth, contests and face painting.

The event is a fund-raiser for the Waikiki Community Center's child care program. It is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Honolulu, the Honolulu Zoological Society and KAIM Radio.

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