Aloha,

The sight of burning torches and walking 9-foot Tikis, the aroma of skewered chickens and hot rod exhaust, and the sound of island exotica and raucous surf music filled the tree-laden, historic Carillon Park in Dayton on Saturday. Our hard-working, Dayton-based Kon Tiki Chapter teamed up with Ron Kaplan of Surf Ohio to throw a poly-pop, hot rod, surf-fest that brought out fans of all ages.

A crowd estimated at over 1,000 throughout the day experienced a (Fraternal Order of) Moai Village complete with F.O.M. Tiki carvers and vintage/mid-century vendors; a hot rod show with surfboard-style trophies for the top entries; a monstrous mountain of sand that was formed into a hot tub full of Tikis; and a variety of different activities designed for all ages. Oh yeah…and booze!

Entertainment on the main stage was hosted by the F.O.M.-infiltrated Surfabilly Freakout DJ crew and rolled from noon to 11pm. The Hapa-Haole sounds of the Harmony Islanders were accompanied by a hula performed by the F.O.M.'s Leilani…who later provided instruction to willing volunteers (including a 9’ walking Tiki named Julius…a.k.a. "King Kon"). The stage was then commandeered by steel drums and eventually three raucous surf bands: the Nick Kizirnis Band, the F.O.M.-infiltrated Go! Tsunami and the Cocktail Preachers. Between bands, the crowd was enlightened by a demonstration of the chainsaw carving and hot-rod tail pipe flaming of a Tiki (by Kevin Moore) and a fire dance performed by the Soul Fyre Tribe.

Pants off to the Kon-Tikis for a fabulous inaugural event. Thanks to Hula Zombie (and Rosie) for opening up the Kon Tiki HQ (Daddy Katz – a #1 must-see in Dayton) for before and after-hour parties.

Keep the torches burning,

—Tagata Maori Rogorogo