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Nadine sez...

Money? Who needs money when it's summer and free food abounds? All you have to do is show up at the various fairs and events around town. It's not particularly healthy, but clever souls could make it through the weekend by snacking. Ain't America great?

» Saturday: Cold Stone Creamery stores celebrates National Ice Cream Month from 10 a.m. to noon with a free sampling of five new summer flavors: wasabi-ginger, tooty-fruity, black licorice, oatmeal cookie batter and tangerine sorbet ice creams. If you like them, they'll be available throughout July, but of course then you'll have to pay.

» Sunday: Stop in at Aloha Tower Marketplace where pre-Independence day festivities means free cotton candy and popcorn, and Mauna Loa macadamia nut samples from 5 p.m. 'til the fireworks show from 8:45 p.m.

» Monday: It pays to be patriotic at the Doubletree Alana Hotel as the hotel gives out two of its famous chocolate chip cookies to any adult who presents an American flag or is dressed in red, white and blue. You don't have to be a hotel guest. Call 941-7275.

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STAR-BULLETIN FILE PHOTO / 2002

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Betty sez ...

If I were a kid and an exhibitionist, I'd enter the Fourth of July Watermelon-Eating Contest Saturday at the Mililani Farmer's Market. OK, I know, Saturday is not July 4, but don't quibble. The first 24 kids, ages 5 to 8, can compete for a grand prize of four passes to the Hawaii State Farm Fair, coming up next month in Kapolei.

The slurping begins at 3 p.m. The market itself is open from 2 to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of Mililani High School. If you're not interested in competing, you can pick up a watermelon to take home. If you are competing, bring a clean shirt for after. Call 848-2074.

Michelle sez ...

I like a good laugh so I'm going to check out "Charlie Murphy and Friends" at the Blaisdell Concert Hall Friday. I haven't had a chance to catch "Chapelle's Show" on Comedy Central (Murphy is a regular on the show), but I've heard good things, so this is a good chance to get a first-hand look.

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