WAIMEA — Get ready to boot, then run the bases. The Waimea Town Celebration features a new sport this year: kickball. “A lot of us work and the events that we have going on are either individual or specific to
WAIMEA — Get ready to boot, then run the bases.
The Waimea Town Celebration features a new sport this year: kickball.
“A lot of us work and the events that we have going on are either individual or specific to a team, so we wanted to bring an element of family,” said Tom Nizo, WTC chairman. “We just wanted it to be a fun, family kind of thing.”
The tournament will begin at 8 a.m. Sunday at the Waimea Canyon Athletic Field. It is open to teams of 10 to 15 players. The entrance fee is $100 per team and an application can be downloaded on the WTC website.
Tournament proceeds will go toward Waimea High School’s celebration for graduating seniors of 2015.
“It being the first year, I think people need to get educated on what it is but over the years, people will get used to the fact that it’s going on every year and its popularity will be on the rise,” Nizo said.
The 38th annual WTC runs for a week starting Saturday and continues to Feb. 21. Festivities will include other sports, such as a fun run, canoe race, rodeo and a stand-up paddle race.
The Waimea Film Festival, a signature event of the celebration, is scheduled Monday. Nine films will headline the event at the historic Waimea Theater. Tickets cost $8.
The celebration rocks on with an ice cream eating contest, ukulele contests, a silent auction, cultural exhibits and live entertainment. Artists who will be at the festival include Joe Kaneholani, Enson Lardizabal, Nick Castillo, Leahi and Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko.