LIHUE — It’s time to fire up the grills and bust out the firecrackers and fountains, snakes and sparklers. “You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks and
LIHUE — It’s time to fire up the grills and bust out the firecrackers and fountains, snakes and sparklers.
“You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness,” the late American humorist Erma Bombeck once said. “You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.”
Don’t be discouraged by the Navy’s decision to cancel this year’s Freedom Celebration and fireworks show at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. There are plenty of other ways to celebrate freedom this year, whether it be at home with loved ones and your own display or at one of the following community events.
• More than 6,000 people are expected to attend Kauai Hospice’s 24th annual Concert in the Sky from 4 to 9:30 p.m. at Vidinha Stadium in Lihue.
Visitors and residents alike will share in the celebration, which includes the island’s largest aerial fireworks display, local food prepared by Kauai’s top hotels and restaurants, as well as music and dance. Entertainment will be provided by Henry Kapono, Greenstone Project, Paradox Lockdown, Tsunami Taiko and Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinaala.
Children are encouraged to drop by The Fun Zone to enjoy inflatables, water slides, face painting and more.
Advanced tickets are available online through today and cost $10 for adults, $5 for children. Tickets at the gate cost $15 for adults, $7 for children. Keike age 5 and under get in for free.
Visit www.kauaihospice.org or call Tricia Yamashita at 652-4988 for more information.
• For those who would rather spend their evening on the island’s Westside, the Kekaha Fourth of July Celebration runs from 4 to 11 p.m.
The free event includes cultural demonstrations, exhibits, crafts, a plantation museum, game booths and rides for children, a talent show, live music, food and, finally, a fireworks display.
Contact Lyndon Yamane at 634-5248 for more information.
• Many times, the youngsters can’t wait until evening to get their fill of July 4 fun. For that there is Starwish Kauai at the Sheraton Kauai Resort in Poipu.
This fun-filled family day continues from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes children activities, a petting zoo, pony rides, a watermelon eating contest and a rubber ducky race.
The Kauai Fire Department reminds those who plan to hold their own fireworks display that firecrackers may only be ignited on private property between 1 and 9 p.m. on July 4. Permits cost $25 and must be purchased from the fire department by 4 p.m. today.
Only licensed pyro-technicians with proper permits are authorized to ignite aerial fireworks.
Fourth of July Events
• Kauai Hospice Concert in the Sky, 5 to 9 p.m.
Vidinha Stadium, Soccer Field, Lihue
Enjoy live music, food, games and a aerial firework show. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $7 for children.
• Kekaha Fourth of July Celebration, 4 to 11 p.m.
Enjoy live music, food and games. This is a free event.
• Starwish Kauai, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sheraton Kauai Resort, Poipu
A fun-filled family day with keiki activities, a petting zoo, pony rides, watermelon eating contest and a rubber ducky race.
