KEKAHA – Free, in the name of freedom. The Kekaha Community Fourth of July celebration — a popular event that goes back more than 80 years — will light up the sky Friday night in celebration of Independence Day. But
KEKAHA – Free, in the name of freedom.
The Kekaha Community Fourth of July celebration — a popular event that goes back more than 80 years — will light up the sky Friday night in celebration of Independence Day.
But it’s more than just an evening show.
Darlene Muraoka, publicity and advertising chairwoman for the E ola mau na leo o kekaha-organized event, remembers attending it as a child in the 1980s.
“They used to have a parade, a greased pole and a greased pig,” Muraoka said. “They’d put a hundred dollar bill on the top of a greased pole and people would try to climb it. My dad did it once and won. With the greased pig, if you could catch it, you could keep it.”
No pigs or poles this year, but the event promises lots of other fun, including cultural activities, such as lei making, ohana activities, rides for keiki and watermelon and ice cream eating contests.
A talent show with prizes, a kickball tournament, food booths and plenty of live entertainment will also be on hand.
Oh yeah, and fireworks, too.
A 30-minute fireworks show, utilizing Hawaii Explosive Pyrotechnics, Inc. — the same company that will produce the Pacific Missile Range Facility show on Thursday night — promises to please patriotic revelers. It will begin at 9:15 p.m.
The celebration’s hours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Kekaha Faye Ballpark. Those parking inside the park area are requested to donate $3, otherwise attendees can use street parking. No coolers will be allowed.
“Our line-up of entertainment this year starts with cultural song and dance at 4:15,” Muraoka said. “There will be an Hawaiian show, followed by a Filipino show of dancing and a Japanese one with song and dance. Our headliners Maila Gibson and Ben Vegas will start at 8.”
Attendees can visit the Plantation Museum for a blast to the past. Photo albums, plantation equipment and old Garden Island articles tell the story of the early plantation days.
Muraoka said their goal has been to perpetuate and honor the Kekaha Community Association, which originated the annual event.
“This year we will be honoring former association members,” Muraoka said.
Other firework shows will celebrate July 4.
• America’s Most West Freedom Fest will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. Fireworks will begin at 9:45. The free event will offer rides, entertainment, food, and craft booths.
• Kauai Hospice will host its 25th annual Concert in the Sky event on Friday. The fundraiser at Vidinha Soccer Field in Lihue will begin at 4 p.m. A full line-up of musical talent is on tap, followed by a 3-D fireworks show. Tickets prices are $10 in advance for adults and $5 for keiki 6 to 12 years of age and free for keiki under the age of 5. Gates will open at 4 p.m.
* Lisa Ann Capozzi, a features and education reporter can be reached at lcapozzi@thegardenisland.com.
