Candy lei maker Mariamena Morisa says she’s happy to see Polynesian culture add something new to Alaskan celebrations. “It allows not just us to be able to enjoy our traditions, but it lets other cultures as well,” she said.
Sisters Evangeline and Maria Morisa run Morisa’s Candy Leis of Alaska in Anchorage. At her high school graduation, her mom walked in carrying leis made out of saran wrap and ribbon with candy inside. Other parents asked if she would sell them.
The Morisa family in Anchorage has made candy leis for years, supplying Alaskans with a vibrant gift for many types of celebrations. And customers aren’t just ordering them for graduates. A banner outside their home lists other occasions for candy leis — Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and birthdays. Most of Hoskins’ customers buy leis for kids celebrating the move from preschool to kindergarten, or from kindergarten to first grade. In an email, Polynesian Association of Alaska director Lucy Hansen said she planned to drop off 150 candy leis to a local elementary school.“I’ve had some go to Deadhorse, I’ve had some go to Bethel, I’ve had some go to Barrow and I’ve had some go to Perryville,” she said.
Morisa said that sometimes, it’s a competitive market. A few years ago, she got approval from the Anchorage School District and the Sullivan Arena to sell candy leis inside the arena. Other lei makers set up booths outside.
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