Dining Services Manager Debbie Omasta-Mokrzecki described the evening's purpose. "It's basically a monotony breaker," she said.
Upon entering Valentine, diners encountered a large brown volcano in the atrium blowing lava-like streamers out of its mouth. Employees welcomed attendees with leis. Paper mache palm trees, Hawaiian skirts and tropical-themed posters covered counters, window sills and walls. The Dole Pineapple Company donated some of the decorations free of charge while others, like the volcano, were salvaged from previous Luaus.
Dining Services puts on the event every four years. "We only do it every four years mostly because this is a really big undertaking," said Director of Dining Services Charlie Thompson. The four-year cycle ensures that every student will have the opportunity to experience one Luau at the College.
The culinary highlight was the fruit display-a visually appealing collection of mango, pineapple, melon, coconut, grapes, papaya, star fruit and sugar cane. Two pineapple- shaped ice sculptures rested above the display. Dining Services ordered 42 cases of fruit, totaling approximately $1,400.
"I was shocked by the ice sculptures and the bridge," said Ashley Smith '05. "They definitely went all out."
The Polynesian show's main act was the Hu Ke Lau, a Polynesian group operating out of Chicopee, Mass. One portion of the act involved a man who performed a number of acrobatics with a burning torch. The act also provided diners with an opportunity to participate in the show.
Casey Kimball '04 said that the Luau was one of the best moments of his senior year. "I think this easily rivals the Rain Forest cafe," he said. "It may be even better."
Dining Services recognized a large amount of student involvement in Luau preparations. According to Operations Manager Jonathan Olsen, students painted a mural on the windows and helped decorate the dining area.
Dining Services plans to enter the event in the Residence Hall Dining-Special Event Theme Dinner category of the Loyal E. Norton Dining Awards contest. The contest is held annually by the National Association of College & University Food Services. Valentine won second place for a Luau entry in 1987.