KAPAA — Kaylynn Drake, founder of Kekua Aloha Foundation, was hesitant about being part of the fire knife competition.
That was last week.
As days close in on the Fourth annual Keiki Fun Day and the second youth “Burn Out Suicide” fire knife competition, the Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama senior changed her mind.
“Yes, I’ll be joining my brothers — Michael Allan of Siva, and Emmsley Drake — in the fire knife event,” Kaylynn said. “I did it, last year and it was a lot of fun.”
The Kekua Aloha Foundation is presenting the fun day Saturday starting at noon with the fire knife exhibition and competition starting at 6 p.m. at the Kapaa Beach Park.
“This is just a way for people to come together and give families a fun time,” Kaylynn said. “This is a time to grow.”
Craft vendors, food, an assortment of “Slide and Glide” inflatables, games, and prizes along with a full slate of entertainment await.
“We’ll definitely have the Kekua Aloha ice cream truck,” Kaylynn said. “It has been present at all the previous events. We dignitaries coming to speak at the opening, and Happy Eats — you know, those people who have the huli chicken, ribs and pork belly? They’re coming so bring your appetite.”
Among the entertainers are the Kapaa Middle School Ukulele Band and Choir, whose director, Mary Lardizabal, said Kaylynn was among the first students she had in the program when she took over.
“Rex Tiumalu of Florida will be the guest judge in the fire knife competition,” said Lyah Kama Drake, Kaylynn’s mother. “He is a fire knife champion in Florida and performs at the Disney World in Orlando.”
Angela Drake, Kaylynn’s aunt, is flying in from South Dakota to speak on life as a mother who lost her daughter to suicide, three years ago.
A portion of proceeds generated at the Keiki Fun Day will be turned over to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Kekua Aloha Foundation earlier hosted a dance camp fundraiser for with the proceeds being donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
“Our main reason for forming Kekua Aloha Foundation, four years ago was to help the community prevent suicides and help families affected by suicide,” Kaylynn said.
