Dancers prepared near a trailer, community leaders mingled, and an authentic Hawai’ian band’s chords rang through the lakeside at the Ultimate Luau 2021 at Lake Arlington on Oct. 29. 

“You hate it when you grow up, but when you come out here, you’re like, ‘Holy crap, why did I move?’” performer Patrick Sablan, 35, said. “Imagine white, sandy beaches, just perfect weather, perfect everything all day every day.”

Sablan, a fire twirler for Hawaiian Drums of Tahiti Revue Tropical Production, grew up on the islands but now lives in Houston. He has always kept in touch with his Polynesian culture, he added.

He plans to return to the islands at some point with his wife and four kids. 
The luau, or the equivalent to a celebration ceremony in Polynesian culture, was organized by Living Waters Park. Living Waters Park, an economic development-focused organization, has plans to build a waterside marina and entertainment venue to stimulate community development in East Fort Worth.

For more on the plans, please see upcoming coverage in the Fort Worth Report.

Cristian ArguetaSoto is the community engagement journalist at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him by email or via Twitter. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.

Close window X

Republish this article

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Unless otherwise noted, noncommercial entities may republish most of Fort Worth Report stories for free under a Creative Commons license. For commercial licensing, please email hello@fortworthreport.org. For noncommercial digital publications:

• Look for the "Republish This Story" button underneath each story. To republish online, simply click the button, copy the html code and paste into your Content Management System (CMS). Do not copy stories straight from the front-end of our web-site.
• You are required to follow the guidelines and use the republication tool when you share our content. The republication tool generates the appropriate  html code.
• You can’t edit our stories, except to reflect relative changes in time, location and editorial style.
• You can’t sell or syndicate our stories.
• Any web site our stories appear on must include a contact for your organization.
• If you use our stories in any other medium — for example, newsletters or other email campaigns — you must make it clear that the stories are from the Fort Worth Report. In all emails, link directly to the story at fortworthreport.org and not to your website.
• If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter.

For noncommercial print publications:

• You have to credit Fort Worth Report. Please use “Author Name, Fort Worth Report” in the byline. If you’re not able to add the byline, please include a line at the top of the story that reads: “This story was originally published by Fort Worth Report” and include our website, fortworthreport.org.
• You can’t edit our stories, except to reflect relative changes in time, location and editorial style.
• Our stories may appear on pages with ads, but not ads specifically sold against our stories.
• You can’t sell or syndicate our stories.
• You can only publish select stories individually — not as a collection.
• Any web site our stories appear on must include a contact for your organization.
• If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter.

The Fort Worth Report retains the copyright for all of its published content. If you have any other questions, contact Managing Editor Thomas Martinez.

Photo gallery: Lake Arlington Luau livens up evening in East Fort Worth

by Cristian ArguetaSoto, Fort Worth Report
November 2, 2021

<h1>Photo gallery: Lake Arlington Luau livens up evening in East Fort Worth</h1> <p class="byline">by Cristian ArguetaSoto, Fort Worth Report <br />November 2, 2021</p> <p>Dancers prepared near a trailer, community leaders mingled, and an authentic Hawai’ian band’s chords rang through the lakeside at the <a href="https://livingwaterspark.com/events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ultimate Luau 2021</a> at Lake Arlington on Oct. 29. </p> <p>“You hate it when you grow up, but when you come out here, you’re like, ‘Holy crap, why did I move?’” performer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thistribalguy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrick Sablan</a>, 35, said. “Imagine white, sandy beaches, just perfect weather, perfect everything all day every day.”</p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide"> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"> <ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22701" data-id="22701" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-5-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A Hawai'ian kalua pig dish sits on a table at the luau, or celebration ceremony, at Lake Arlington. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22699" data-id="22699" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-3-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Living Waters Park has plans to build a lakeside marina at Lake Arlington, 6000 Wilbarger St. The organization is focused on economic and community development in East Fort Worth. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22700" data-id="22700" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-4-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">The plans for Living Waters Park, a nonprofit organization focused on economic development, include a yacht club, marina with dock, bait &amp; tackle shop, kids corral, sports court, pavilion, botanical gardens, shore-view amphitheater, reflecting pond and a waterfall chapel. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22702" data-id="22702" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-6-1024x819.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A member of Hawaiian Drums of Tahiti Revue Tropical Production places a lei, or a garland or necklace of flowers given in Hawaii, on a guest. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22703" data-id="22703" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-7-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Members of Hawaiian Drums of Tahiti Revue Tropical Production wear flower crowns and greet members at the Ultimate Luau 2021 on Oct. 29. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22697" data-id="22697" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-1-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Jacquelyn Minor, an executive board member for Living Waters Park, talks to guests at the Ultimate Luau 2021 on Oct. 29. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22704" data-id="22704" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-8-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Living Waters Park President &amp; Park Developer Hazel Lewis Wiltz talks to guests at the Ultimate Luau 2021 event on Oct. 29. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22705" data-id="22705" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-9-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Hawaiian Drums of Tahiti Revue Tropical Production member Napua'okalani waits for guests. She greets guests by placing leis, or Hawai'ian flower necklaces, on them. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22706" data-id="22706" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-10-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Event workers drive guests from the parking lot to the lakeside. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22707" data-id="22707" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-11-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Patrick Sablan, 35, is a fire twirler for Hawaiian Drums of Tahiti Revue Tropical Production. The Polynesian-born performer lives in Houston and travels through Texas with the performing group. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22708" data-id="22708" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-12-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Community Frontline founder Dante Williams attends the Ultimate Luau 2021 event at Lake Arlington on Oct. 29. Williams owns DIG Contracting, a construction company. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22713" data-id="22713" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-18-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Jacquelyn Minor speaks to guests on Oct. 29. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22711" data-id="22711" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-15-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Hawai'ian band Opihi Gang performs at the Ultimate Luau 2021 on Oct. 29. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22710" data-id="22710" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-14-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Arlington Mayor Jim Ross wears a lei during the event. City and business leaders were guests at the Ultimate Luau 2021 event on Oct. 29. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-22709" data-id="22709" src="https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CAS_luau-13-1024x683.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Hawaiian Drums of Tahiti Revue Tropical Production members have a photograph taken at the Ultimate Luau 2021 event on Oct. 29. The group travels the country performing at luaus. (Cristian ArguetaSoto | Fort Worth Report)</figcaption></figure> </li> </ul> <p><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a></p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div> </div> </div> <p>Sablan, a fire twirler for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hawaiiandrums/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawaiian Drums of Tahiti Revue Tropical Production</a>, grew up on the islands but now lives in Houston. He has always kept in touch with his Polynesian culture, he added.</p> <p>He plans to return to the islands at some point with his wife and four kids. <br />The luau, or the equivalent to a celebration ceremony in Polynesian culture, was organized by <a href="https://livingwaterspark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Living Waters Park</a>. Living Waters Park, an economic development-focused organization, has plans to build a waterside marina and entertainment venue to stimulate community development in East Fort Worth.</p> <p>For more on the plans, please see upcoming coverage in the Fort Worth Report.</p> <p><em>Cristian ArguetaSoto is the community engagement journalist at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him by </em><a href="http://cristian.arguetasoto@fortworthreport.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>email </em></a><em>or via </em><a href="https://twitter.com/CrisArguetaSoto" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Twitter</em></a><em>. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy </em><a href="https://fortworthreport.org/about/fort-worth-report-editorial-independence-policy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em></p> <p>This <a target="_blank" href="https://fortworthreport.org/2021/11/02/photo-gallery-lake-arlington-luau-livens-up-evening-in-east-fort-worth/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://fortworthreport.org">Fort Worth Report</a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<img src="https://i0.wp.com/fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/cropped-favicon.png?fit=150%2C150&amp;quality=80&amp;ssl=1" style="width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;"><img id="republication-tracker-tool-source" src="https://fortworthreport.org/?republication-pixel=true&post=22714" style="width:1px;height:1px;"></p> Copy to Clipboard

1