By Makanalani Yamanoha

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The fourth Mililani Eat the Street concluded on Sept. 13, after presenting over a thousand participants with a range of food trucks, craft shops, activities for kids and live entertainment, including Mililani’s Got Talent winners.

“We come every year.  It is just a fun place to be, to hang out,” said Senior Rhys Ragasa, who performed in the opening concert with his band, Strangers with Kandy. “The best part about it is eating the food.”

Upon receiving first place in Mililani’s Got Talent, Regasa, Seniors Alex Nims and Michael Mollohan and Sophomore Kyle Bergeron, got the opportunity to perform at Eat the Street.  “This is our first time performing at an Eat the Street so it’s really exciting. This is another event where we can practice and get our name out there,” said Mollohan.  They will be trying for Battle of the Bands in October.

Apart from the live entertainment, Street Grindz, the company that organized the event, also invited charities and craft stores to be present alongside the food vendors. “This is a great way for local business to branch out, to be heard and seen in the public eye. Not only does it help in business, but it also gives people the chance to gain support needed to continue,” said Destiny Graham, a food vendor representing Life is Sweet which specializes in French macarons, a popular ice cream pastry.

Each Eat the Street is accompanied by a theme, which most restaurants tried to incorporate into their dishes. This time’s theme was garlic. “We specialize in seafood, however the specific themes are just there to tie the food together. Food can bring people together,” said Wade, a vendor from Ronnie’s Kitchen, a local seafood restaurant on Coconut Island.

Street Grindz hosts multiple events over the course of the year; their next one is an Eat the Street Oktoberfest in Kakaako on Sept. 26.