The Festival of Lights, featuring the Kauai Chorale and a countdown to lighting with Santa, opens Friday starting at 6 p.m. at the Historic County Building.
“We need to get everything done,” said Elizabeth Freeman, describing herself as the founder and art director and producer of the event. “The lights need to be in place, tested, and ready to shine so the Lights on Rice holiday parade can start.”
Preparation for the Festival of Lights started in November when students started work on refurbishing decorations and creating new pieces.
The weather played a role at hiccupping the setup, as rain and wind pulled away the services of volunteers.
“What should have happened in two days took weeks,” Freeman said. “The delays drove Tavita “Manu” Fonua crazy, but it’s pretty much done and should be ready by Friday.”
Volunteers, many being called on to help for the 23-year life of the festival, crowded the lobby of the Historic County Building to complete the setup that includes the folk art of Josie Chansky, the Surfin’ Santa and the Train Village featuring Christmas art created from recycled materials.
“The Heavenly Honu, one of the new items for this year’s display themed Santa’s Gone Kauaian and Trash to Treasure, are from cherry-tomato containers that a family from California saved and sent to me,” Freeman said. “Other new items are the butterflies and dragonflies that are created from that thingie they stick into Starbuck containers, bottle pumps and plastic water bottles.”
The Festival of Lights is open from 6 to 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Christmas Eve, with Santa and Mrs. Claus. All photos are free.
It will feature Mary Lardizabal’s Kapaa Middle School Choir and Ukulele Band on Dec. 22 at 6 p.m., and Kimberly Hope on Christmas Eve.
“It’s incredible to me that after 23 years, people think the Festival of Lights is just the lights in the park,” Freeman said. “Don’t just drive by the park lights — step inside the Historic County Building and see the Kauai-style holiday wonderland!”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
