Luau for the Moose!

Dust off your grass skirts Sonoma – it’s luau time.

At least it will be June 6, when the Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley hulas into action with California Luau, a benefit for the Sonoma Moose Lodge.

Funds raised at the event will go toward the purchase of a new HVAC system for the lodge, located at 20580 Broadway in Sonoma.

While moose are definitely not indigenous to Hawaii, the Luau is a great chance to show some love, Pacific Island style, for the social club that does so much for the Valley. The Moose Lodge gives money to all sorts of worthy groups and causes – from local schools and the Sonoma Valley High School culinary program to 4-H clubs, the Lions Club and local families facing hardships. The Moose host Tuesday bingo nights and Sunday polka dancing, as well as many other events; the lodge can be rented for celebrations, fundraisers, and other community or private events.

California Luau takes place Saturday, June 6 from 4 to 11 p.m. at the Moose Lodge. The menu, prepared by Moose member Roger Declercq of Sonoma Gourmet, will feature whole roasted crispy pig with three salsas, smoked chicken thighs with pineapple-soy glaze, Field of Greens lamb meatballs, slow-smoked brisket with horseradish barbecue sauce, and plenty of side dishes. Homemade desserts will be prepared by the Women of the Moose.

Tickets are $40 per person and include dinner, one free drink, and live music by local band Twang Ditty, which plays everything from tearful ballads to honky-tonk to rockabilly. Local group Hula Mai will have hips shaking with traditional Hawaiian dance.

Purchase tickets in advance at www.sonomamoose.org/california-luau, at the Sonoma Moose Lodge, or by calling Rotary at 938-8560.