Only in Hawaii: SPAM JAM

You've heard of food festivals but I bet you haven't heard of, or even imagined, that there is a festival dedicated to Spam. Yes, Spam. 

The Spam Jam Hawaii website states: "Introduced in 1937 by Hormel foods, more Spam is consumed per person in Hawaii than in any other state in the United States. Almost 7 million cans of Spam are eaten every year in Hawaii." Bottom line - these people love there Spam, y'all. 

Think Chili Fest in College Station, Rodeo Cook Off in Houston, Louisiana's Crawfish Festival, etc. Spam Jam is a big food festival that revolves around Hawaii's cultural tradition of adding Spam to their menus. Local food vendors set up shop and serve their signature dishes with a twist - they add Spam, of course. You'll find things like Spam burgers, Spam fried rice, Spam tacos, Spam popsicles... just to name a few. People even dress up as Spam! Entertainment and merchandise booths are also set up during this annual event.

It's estimated that about 25,000 people attend the Spam Jam in Honolulu every year.

Here are pictures from the 11th Annual, 2013 Waikiki Spam Jam ---

Cans of Spam

Spam Musubi pillows!

My favorite street, of course!

Spam Musubi - a local treat consisting of rice, egg, and grilled Spam, all wrapped in dried seaweed

Pretty crazy, huh? For more info about the Spam Jam, visit their official website at spamjamhawaii.com