If you missed out on the 7th Annual PolyFest in Renton, Washington, on July 20th, you truly missed a treat! This year’s festival was nothing short of spectacular— a lively celebration that felt more like a big, fun family reunion than just another event.
From the moment you walked in, the variety of local vendors was a sight to behold. Picture this: Puddn’cakz, Big Island Poke, Poly Dope, Hefa’s Otai, Otai Kingdom, Kalpu Northwest, and many more, all coming together to offer an array of delicious foods and unique items. The food? Absolutely mouthwatering! So much so that many of the tasty treats were sold out within hours. Talk about a hit!
The main stage performances were a blast, with DJ sets spinning early 2000s hits that had everyone reminiscing and dancing like it was 2005. The vibe was electric, like one massive block party where the energy was contagious, flying from one person to another. It’s that kind of vibe that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a hot summer day in Renton.
Shanice Malau’ulu, an awesome host, made sure everyone stayed hydrated, which was crucial under the blazing sun. The community came out in full force to support dance groups, vendors, and the stellar lineup of performers, including Sammy Johnson, Jaws, Stone II, Young Go, and more. The love and support were palpable, even extending to car clubs showing up in style!
What made this year’s PolyFest particularly special was seeing the kids and community members proudly waving flags from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and beyond. There’s something magical about seeing those flags flying high!
The festival was a melting pot of new friendships, connections, and yes, even a few new relationships or situationships! The crowd was so into it that some lucky attendees even got to join the artists on stage for impromptu dance-offs. The energy was all about having a good time, and the artists were right there with us, enjoying every moment. Big shoutout to the fantastic hosts, Kehlemi and Teine Uli, who kept the energy up and the crowd engaged throughout the day. And let’s not forget the DJs, who did an amazing job keeping everyone on their feet and dancing to the beat.
Overall, PolyFest 2024 was a hit, turning out to be a huge celebration that felt like one big, happy family gathering. Kudos to the organizers and everyone who helped make this event such a success! If you missed out this year, mark your calendars and get ready for PolyFest WA next summer. You won’t want to miss it! Here’s to the power of music, festivals, and the incredible community spirit they bring. See you next year, and keep the good vibes going!
