Cool Fusion 2020 - Festival of 1000 Bowls

Description

Location: Donkey Mill Art Center Lawn

Friday, September 25 from 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Saturday, September 26 from 10:00am - 4:00pm

Solo Bowl: Includes one bowl ($25 value) of your choice + original noodle recipe
Two-Person Party: Includes two bowls ($25 value each) of your choice + Cookbook
Party of Four: Includes four bowls ($25 value each) of your choice + Food Kit + Cookbook

Bring it home! In celebration of our 25th anniversary, the Donkey Mill Art Center is excited to serve up Cool Fusion: Festival of 1000 Bowls on September 25th and 26th, 2020. This year’s celebration is special in many ways; not only is Cool Fusion back home at the Mill, we will also be offering noodle kits, providing participants with all of the ingredients and fixins to prepare and enjoy the traditional cold somen noodle dish safely, in the comfort of their own home.

Cool Fusion is an invitation to experience Japanese ceramic and culinary arts traditions through the enjoyment of a refreshing bowl of cold noodles on a hot summer day. In addition to the bounty of handmade ceramic bowls, specialty ceramic items and Cool Fusion merchandise, the Mill has partnered with local restaurants, chefs and artists to create a signature cookbook featuring innovative recipes which put a spin on the event’s traditional Hiyashi somen cold noodle dish.

This year, we also have three ticketing options: the “Solo Bowl” ticket for $20 includes one bowl of your choice and the original noodle recipe; the “Two-Person Party” ticket for $60 includes two bowls and cookbook and the “Party of Four” ticket for $120 includes four bowls, the special cookbook and a noodle kit for four. Noodle kits with all of the ingredients can be ordered à la carte with the purchase of a bowl or bowl set and must be pre-ordered by September 19, 2020. One ticket = one person allowed on-site at the event (i.e.: Party of Four ticket = one ticket).

Okay, here’s how it works: 1) Choose one (or more!) of the ticket options; 2) Select your time slot within which you will visit the Mill to find your bowl(s) among the 2,000+ made especially for the occasion; 3) Come to the Mill during your selected time slot to enter the ceramics heaven which is Cool Fusion.

Have no fear, bowls will be refreshed and rotated on an hourly basis. Looking for more? Ticket holders can purchase other items at the event including cookbooks, additional bowls and speciality ceramic ware, Cool Fusion merchandise and more. Unlike years past, all of the items just listed will also be available for purchase online in the coming weeks--stay tuned for more details!

This year’s event is made possible by the generous support of lead sponsor, The Hiroaki, Elaine & Lawrence Kono Foundation.

A special mahalo to all of our participating restaurants and chefs who contributed noodle recipes to our cookbook:

Chef Evan Wilber of Holuakoa Gardens, Kenichi Pacific, Chef Dan Robayo of Magics Beach Grill, Chef Amelia Fisher of The Strawberry Patch, Chef Sam Choy, Chef David Viviano of the Fairmont Orchid, Chef Matt Caldwell of Foster’s Kitchen, and the Morinoue ‘Ohana.

Many thanks to the artists who crafted and decorated over 2,000 bowls and specialty ceramic ware to delight our senses. Some of the many participating artists include: Amber Aguirre, Jill Backus, Gerald Ben, Jake Boggs, Jisoo Boggs, Akiko Cutlip, Michael Cutlip, Bella Freedman, Stephen Freedman, Kate & Will Jacobson, Cory Lum, Setsuko Morinoue, Erik Omundson, Sandy Sater, Claire Seastone and Suzanne Wang.

Mahalo nui to our in-kind contributors and volunteers, including Gypsea Gelato, Alohi Farm, and Kona Stories.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I bring all of my family and friends to the event?

Yes! However, each person entering the site needs their own ticket (i.e. one of the following: Solo Bowl, Two-Person Party, or Party of Four). With safety as our number one concern, mahalo for understanding the following guidelines for this year’s event. One ticket = one person allowed on-site at the event which allows the ticket holder to shop for 45 minutes during the chosen time slot (i.e.: a “Party of Four” ticket is considered one ticket, therefore, only one person is allowed on-site). Please purchase additional tickets if you'd like to bring another person.

Masks will be required, and hand sanitizer, hand washing stations, and gloves will be provided. Physical distancing will be observed, mahalo for your diligence and care.

Will I be able to stay at Cool Fusion all day?

No, each ticket purchased will enable the ticket holder to shop for the duration of the 45 minute time slot selected.

Can I drop-in to the event and buy a ticket when I get there?

Unfortunately, no, all tickets need to be purchased prior to the event. Additional bowls, special ceramic pieces, Cool Fusion merchandise and the cookbook will be available for purchase at the event.

Can I buy more bowls and noodle kits when I get there?

Yes--and no! The ticket gets you into the event where you will have 45 minutes to browse the selection of items for sale and purchase as many of the ceramic bowls and merchandise as you’d like. However, you cannot purchase additional noodle kits at the event, they must be pre-ordered in addition to a ticket before Saturday, September 19, 2020.

Will I be enjoying my noodles at the Mill?

No, there will be no food served at the event. We invite you to “bring it home” and enjoy your noodles in the safety and comfort of your home. The deadline to order noodle kits is Saturday, September 19, 2020.

What if I cannot make it in person, can I purchase items online?

Yes! The online store will feature Cool Fusion merchandise, noodle bowls and speciality ceramic items, the cookbook, and more! Unfortunately, noodle kits will not be shipped.

I want a cookbook, but I don’t see that option?

You can purchase additional items in person. The cookbook will also be available to order online in the next few weeks. Mahalo nui for your patience.