Primary Election Day just got juiced up when organizers of the Kaua‘i All Wheels Expo invites the public to a day of vehicle displays, food, fun, entertainment and shopping from a variety of vendors at the Vidinha Stadium parking lot
Primary Election Day just got juiced up when organizers of the Kaua‘i All Wheels Expo invites the public to a day of vehicle displays, food, fun, entertainment and shopping from a variety of vendors at the Vidinha Stadium parking lot from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 11.
“It’s a free community event, and there is a suggested $5 donation for entry, but it isn’t required,” said Ed Justus, one of the organizing committee leaders. “It isn’t a fundraiser, (but) any net proceeds from the event will be donated to the Kaua‘i United Way.”
Justus said there is participation from a large number of businesses, nonprofits and community members who are pitching in and giving their time or services to help make this a great event.
The main attraction is the wide variety of trucks, cars, classic cars, motorcycles, bicycles, skateboards, all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, bicycles and any other kinds of “wheels” on display for the public to enjoy.
The public is also invited to display their own vehicles at no cost.
Wheels enthusiasts can participate in a Best of Show people’s choice for 12 different classes of vehicles, including classic car, VW, truck, drag car, import car, motorcycle (cruiser), motorcycle (sportbike) and dirtbike. Entries into these categories are $20 for each entry.
No cost entries include bicycle, skateboard, tricycle and beater vehicle, in which the vehicle must be operational and legal.
All food trucks participating at the event will be automatically entered into the “Best Meals on Wheels” Food Truck Contest.
Winners from the contests will receive a unique custom-made trophy built by 420 AirBrush, which will be distributed by Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. Winners will be determined through the people’s choice voting.
For keiki who have yet to develop an appreciation for wheels, there will be an area where inflatables will be established.
Other activities include a bicycle rodeo and skateboarding demonstrations.
Entertainment at the event include Pono, Breeze, The Wheels and Sean Carillo.
Justus said the idea was born back in 2010 when Talk Story Bookstore hosted a free “Blast from the Past: Rockin’ Fifties Festival,” where ’50s themed music, games, classic cars and motorcycles were featured.
“It went very well and we had planned to do it, again,” Justus said. “My wife Cynthia and Nate Chun from Kaua‘i Kruisers got to talking about expanding the event to be more than just ’50s.”
Cynthia suggested “everything wheels” and one by one, people from the community stepped forth.
“It’s just so amazing to see the community come together and create something fun that everybody can enjoy,” Justus said. “It’s inspiring. People can go out to vote and come by and enjoy the rest of the day.”