LIHU‘E — Two fireworks shows and a plethora of family-oriented fun and activities are on tap to celebrate July Fourth starting today and overflowing into Wednesday. Laurie Yoshida, event coordinator for the Kaua‘i Hospice Concert in the Sky fundraiser, said
LIHU‘E — Two fireworks shows and a plethora of family-oriented fun and activities are on tap to celebrate July Fourth starting today and overflowing into Wednesday.
Laurie Yoshida, event coordinator for the Kaua‘i Hospice Concert in the Sky fundraiser, said people are still able to get pre-sale discounted tickets through the end of today at any of the Times Big Save markets or at the Kaua‘i Hospice office.
Yoshida, who with the help of the Kaua‘i Fire Department and the Hawai‘i Firefighters Association, was busy setting up tents and spaces for the annual major fundraiser for Kaua‘i Hospice. She said pre-sale tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for keiki, 6 through 12 years old. Keiki under 5 years old are admitted for free.
“Of course, we’ll have tickets at the gate, too,” Yoshida said. “But the prices are $15 for adults and $7 for keiki.”
Gates to the event open at 4 p.m. with entertainment provided by Rakudo Taiko Drums and piano vocals by Ivo Monroe Miller.
Concert in the Sky offers a wide variety of family fun and entertainment, including a keiki Fun Zone of water slides, bounce houses and a variety of food from some of the island’s top resorts and restaurants, capped by a fireworks display.
The Pacific Missile Range Facility at Mana also offers its Stars and Stripes Freedom Celebration from 5 to 11 p.m. today.
“All friends and supporters of PMRF are invited to this free event,” said Tom Clements, the public affairs officer at PMRF. “The event will be held on the grounds of Shenanigans restaurant.”
During the event, Capt. Nicholas Mongillo, the PMRF commanding officer, will be available to welcome people and speak on the importance of Independence Day.
Entry to the free, drug-free and family-oriented event is through the Kokole Point gate starting at 4 p.m. with free parking available on base.
The Greenstone Project will open the afternoon followed by Revival and Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winner Anuhea, which will lead up to the fireworks display.
Visitors are reminded that all vehicles are subject to search; seat belts must be worn by all drivers and passengers of vehicles while on base and no riding in pickup beds is allowed.
Additionally, no outside food or beverages, coolers, tents, pets, personal fireworks and weapons, including knives of all types, will be allowed.
Beach umbrellas will be allowed and all backpacks are subject to search.
On Wednesday, the public is invited to the July 4th Westside program at the Kekaha Faye Ball Park from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. featuring family-friendly games, cultural demonstrations, a talent show, food booths, crafts, rides and more.
The Kaua‘i Veterans Council will also host its annual Veterans Roundup from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center on Kapule Highway in Lihu‘e. Veterans and their families are invited to learn more about Veterans benefits, enjoy a variety of family games and lunch.
The event is free, but donations are appreciated.
Call 246-1135 for more information on the Veterans Roundup, 652-7060 for more information on the July 4th Westside event and visit www.kauaihospice.org for information on the Concert in the Sky.
The Fourth of July and Independence Day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, states the history.com website. The tradition of Independence Day celebrations go back to the 18th century during the American Revolution when, in June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution, which would declare their independence from Great Britain.
The Continental Congress, on July 2, voted in favor of independence and two days later, its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the website states.
From 1776 until today, July Fourth has been celebrated as the birth of American independence with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, concerts and family gatherings and barbecues.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
