[1] The Merrie Monarch Festival, which is held in Hilo, is Hawaii's premier hula event.
[1] Thompson initially had to push hard for funds and media coverage during the festival's early years.
[1] Throughout her tenure as director of the festival, Thompson was careful to keep its main focus on hula.
[1] She kept admission prices low and resisted efforts to move Merrie Monarch from Hilo's Edith Kanaka'ole Tennis Stadium, where it has traditionally been held, to a larger facility.
[1] Mayor of Hawaii Billy Kenoi proclaimed February 13, 2010, as Auntie Dottie Thompson Day.