LIHU‘E — Fourth of July activities start as early as Saturday, and continue until July 6 when the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific wraps up its Kaua‘i tour with a free presentation at Kaua‘i Veterans Center.
The U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands announced its America’s Most West Freedom Fest that will take place on July 1. The event is free and open to the public, with Common Kings as the music headliner.
“Featured musical guests are Cruz Control and Waylon Nihipali,” said Genevieve Silva, a Kaua‘i native working at PMRF and the event coordinator. “Common Kings will perform following the fireworks. Additionally, DJ Podahgee will be entertaining the crowd with some great music.”
Silva said there will be great music, food vendors and, of course, “the best fireworks show on the island.”
The general public can enter at the Kokole Gate adjacent to the landfill starting at 4 p.m. Visitors must be legal U.S. residents, and anyone 16 years and older must present a valid U.S. government-issued ID to enter. There is limited parking available on base, and carpooling is encouraged. All vehicles are subject to search.
Motorcycles are welcome. Riders must wear a helmet, boots, bright, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, or reflective vests.
“No outside food or beverages except water” are allowed, she said. “Coolers, tents, pets, backpacks, weapons including knives of any type, drones, illegal drugs or personal fireworks” are not allowed, Silva said. “Food and beverages will be available for purchase on a cash-only basis, so plan accordingly.”
Kokole Gate will close to incoming traffic if the event reaches maximum capacity, or at its scheduled cut-off time at 8:15 p.m.
“We are excited to host this incredible event with the community for the first time since COVID,” said Capt. Brett Stevenson, PMRF commanding officer. “We hope you and your family will come and enjoy the fun activities, great music, and of course, the spectacular fireworks show.”
More information can be found on the PMRF Morale Welfare and Recreation website at pmrf.greatlifehawaii.com, or its Facebook page at facebook.com/PmrfMoraleWelfare.
“We want everyone to have a wonderful, enjoyable and safe event,” Silva said. “We look forward to seeing you at our celebration.”
Following the PMRF Freedom Fest, July 4 will offer two events — the Kekaha Family Fun Day presented by E Ola Mau Na Leo O Kekaha and Kaua‘i Hospice Concert in the Sky.
Everyone is invited to the Kekaha Family Fun Day that will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center. Unlike previous events, there will be no fireworks displays planned. Instead, Kekaha residents can register for a $10 food voucher. There will also be free games, crafts to browse through, and food and drinks offerings from vendors.
Starting at 3:30 p.m., the Kaua‘i Hospice presents its 2023 Concert in the Sky Annual Independence Day Friendraiser at the Vidinha Stadium soccer fields, featuring vendors, ono food offerings, and the popular Keiki Fun Zone.
Admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, available online at eventbrite.com, or by visiting the Kaua‘i Hospice website at www.kauaihospice.org.
Entertainment presented by Corteva Agriscience and Gather Federal Credit Union includes Kala‘e &Kalena, Wehilei, Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala with Kumu Hula Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin, the Hammah House Band, and the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific.
Following the July 4 excitement, the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific will be offering a free performance on July 5 at the Makai Music and Art Festival, which takes place at the Makai Golf Course lawn in Princeville. The festival runs from 3 to 5 p.m. Spectators are asked to bring their own lawn chairs to the event, where parking is free. For more information, call 818-318-7338.
The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific wraps up its Kaua‘i tour on July 6 with a free performance at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center starting at 5:30 p.m. There is ample parking and light refreshments, benefiting the American Legion Post 54, will be available for purchase.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
