Participating in the Merrie Monarch Festival is an unforgettable experience, especially when you combine it with a unique venture like selling cakes and matcha. From personal experience, working behind a POS system—especially when it’s learned on the fly by family and friends—is both challenging and rewarding. The key is to stay motivated even when the hours feel tough or uncertain. Setting up shop at an event like the 63rd annual Merrie Monarch Festival means embracing the vibrant Hawaiian culture and community spirit. It’s not just about the sales but about connecting with visitors and locals who come for the festival’s hula competitions and festivities. Preparing your products—in this case, delicious cakes and fragrant matcha—adds to the event’s lively atmosphere. One thing that stood out during this experience was the importance of having reliable support. Having family and friends step in to learn the ropes, handle the POS, and assist with making matcha created a strong backbone that made the whole process smoother and more enjoyable. It also taught me to trust that every challenge can lead to new opportunities. Selling cakes in pajamas might sound unconventional, but it created a relaxed vibe that kept the energy positive and helped me stay connected with customers on a personal level. It’s a reminder that sometimes, flexibility and authenticity go a long way in a festive environment. For those planning to attend or set up at future Merrie Monarch events, I recommend embracing spontaneity and being open to support from your community. Post-event, the ‘Post Peggy’s munchies’ concept highlights the idea of continuing to share good food and vibes even after the main festival days, keeping the spirit alive. Overall, the Merrie Monarch Festival is more than just a cultural event—it’s an opportunity to create meaningful experiences, foster connections, and explore creative business ventures in a supportive, vibrant setting.