LIHUE — Let the countdown begin. Doors to the 2013 edition of the Festival of Lights will open at 6 p.m. Friday at the Historic County Building. “Folk art is alive and well,” said Elizabeth Freeman, an artist and designer
LIHUE — Let the countdown begin.
Doors to the 2013 edition of the Festival of Lights will open at 6 p.m. Friday at the Historic County Building.
“Folk art is alive and well,” said Elizabeth Freeman, an artist and designer intent on creating a world of magical beauty for children and families. “New this year is the Rainbow CD tree. The CDs were something I found on a trip and a visit to a recycling center.”
Inspired by the Christmas folk art of the late Josie Chansky, Freeman and a group of staunch volunteers have been sprucing up the display for the more than 5,000 people expected to visit the free exhibit that runs Friday through Dec. 24.
“Everything starts at 6 p.m. Friday, with caroling by the Kauai Chorale,” Freeman said.
Coming on the tail end of the countdown, the annual Rotary Club of Kauai’s Lights on Rice holiday parade adds a showcase of lighted floats, hosted by community groups and residents.
John Sydney Yamane, a Rotarian, said there are more than 60 floats registered with more than 1,600 kids and adults estimated to fill Rice Street.
To prepare for the event, Kauai Police Department will close off streets from Vidinha Stadium, Hoolako Road and Rice Street through Eiwa Street from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, the county said. No parking will be allowed on Rice Street from Hoolako Road through Eiwa Street after 4:30 p.m.
The lighting ceremony and parade includes the annual Kauai Museum Christmas craft fair thatopens at 10 a.m. and runs through 8 p.m.
