The First Annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival At The Royal Kona Resort In Hawaii!

There’s a decades-old feud as to who invented the ultimate Tiki Bar Drink, the Mai Tai…Trader Vic, or Don the Beachcomber. Well at The Royal Kona Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii, there is no question at all. On August 22, 2009, they will host the first annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival! Unfortunately yours truly will be thousands of miles away in Sunny South Florida, but I promise to have a Mai Tai in spirit.

For those of you lucky enough to be in the South Pacific, here’s a run-down of the fun (A big thank you to Liz Bell at Royal Kona for providing the information and photos):

The Mai Tai Marketplace — A gathering of local vendors selling their produce, crafts, art and other local designed, inspired and grown goods!

Battle of the BBQ — A food tasting competition. Vote as esteemed Big Island restaurants battle it out for title and People’s choice awards for taste and presentation!

BEACHBUM BERRY Seminar — Be intrigued by the famed rum and tiki expert while he explores the true father of the Mai Tai – a paternity test between Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic!

Battle for the World’s Best Mai Tai — 24 contestants have been chosen from the many entries to compete for title and the $10,000 CASH prize…don’t miss it!

HAPA — the legendary and award winning duo of Barry Flannigan and Nathan Aweau will enchant the Big Island with their Hawaiian music and hula. You won’t want to miss this rare opportunity to listen to their magic on the beautiful oceanfront ground of the Royal Kona Resort.

“CALLING ALL BARTENDERS”
ALL ENTRIES must be submitted with payment no later than July 29, 2009 — DON’T DELAY!
Enter your favorite Mai Tai recipe, using Bacardi Rum, and compete to win top honors and the GIANT Cash Prize. A panel of judges will score the recipes based on various factors that will include flavor and presentation. 24 Finalists will be chosen out of all of the registrations who will be required to travel to the Royal Kona Resort for the final ‘Mix Off’ competition. All recipes must use Bacardi Rum. The winning ‘Mixologist’ and their recipe will also be featured in printed material after the competition.

$25 to register your Mai Tai Recipe and to participate in the competition. Please submit your contact information and we will contact you with a Registration form.
Special hotel room rates are available for competitors as well as guests and non-competitors. So if you’re in the neighborhood…