LIHU‘E — Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Commander Capt. Brett Stevenson, speaking at the Monday graduation of STRIVE students where he was a guest judge, said he anticipates an audience of up to 10,000 people for the America’s Most West Freedom Fest on Wednesday. The event will feature American Idol winner Iam Tongi.
Besides having Tongi as a guest performer, the Freedom Fest is one of two events where the public can enjoy aerial fireworks. The Freedom Fest offers its “best fireworks show on the island” at no cost to spectators while the full benefit of the Kaua‘i Hospice ‘Concert in the Sky’ comes with an admission fee that is part of a fundraiser for Kaua‘i Hospice.
The Freedom Fest, featuring food, craft vendors, keiki activities, live music and the fireworks display, starts the Fourth of July celebrations that continue until the final wisps of smoke blow away from the Kaua‘i Hospice Concert in the Sky.
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce the extraordinarily talented Iam Tongi will be the headliner at this much-anticipated event,” said Jeffrey Shaw, the director of the PMRF Morale, Welfare and Recreation program. “What an honor it is to have such an incredible musician, and Hawai‘i’s own superstar perform for our PMRF and Kaua‘i ‘ohana at this fantastic community celebration that starts at 4:30 p.m.
The Concert in the Sky happens on Thursday. Gates to the Vidinha Stadium soccer fields open at 3:30 p.m. to a field that includes the Keiki Fun Zone, crafters, food, vendors with special holiday offerings and entertainment that includes The Green.
Tickets are available by visiting www.kauaihospice.org or at the gate. According to eventbrite.com, the ticket dispenser, there are already more than 4,000 admissions dispensed for the event where one of the Kaua‘i Protect Our Nation’s Youth baseball teams — the Broncos — will be selling Meadow Gold ice cream and parent-baked goods as a fundraiser for their next level tournaments on the mainland.
Sandwiched between the two evening events, E Ola Mau Na Leo O Kekaha and the Kekaha Citizens Advisory Committee invite everyone to its Kekaha Family Fun Day to celebrate Independence Day at Kekaha Neighborhood Center park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday.
The free event will feature food and craft vendors, rides and entertainment for everyone.
A Play Streets event will take place on Elepaio Road and portions of the Kekaha Neighborhood Center and Kekaha Park from 10 a.m. to noon.
Elepaio Road between Alae Road and Amakihi Road will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate the Play Streets event. During the road closure, The Kaua‘i Bus will not be servicing Kekaha Neighborhood Center on Routes 100 or 200. All other bus stops in Kekaha will be available on July 4.
Play Streets refer to the temporary closure of streets for a short time to create a safe, publicly accessible space for children and their families to engage in active play. The event aims to host fun outdoor activities for keiki and their ‘ohana to promote physical activity, while opening opportunities to build social connections among the island’s communities.
Play Streets activities will include a small skate park by the Kaua‘i Skate ‘Ohana, where skateboards and gear will be available for all youngsters wanting to learn how to skate. Other activities include a fishing clinic featuring throw-net, keiki basketball, and free play with bubbles, chalk, hula hoops, jump rope and other activities.
In addition to the outdoor activities, a $15 food voucher for Kekaha residents will be available at the event. Proof of residency is required to secure the voucher.
Play Streets Kaua‘i is possible due to a partnership between E Ola Mau Na Leo O Kekaha, the County of Kauai, the Department of Health, Get Fit Kaua‘i, Na Lei Wili AHEC and other community-based organizations and businesses.
