This calendar is prepared by Patti Cook on behalf of Waimea Community Association (WCA). To include community events in this calendar, email [email protected]. Deadline for information: Saturday please! For complete calendar, go to www.WaimeaTown.org.

IMPORTANT COMMUNITY EVENTS:

EXPECT TRAFFIC DELAYS – LINDSEY ROAD BRIDGE ‘STRENGTHENING PROJECT’: Now through mid-September 2011. 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., weekdays only; contractor must keep two lanes, one in each direction, open at all times. This is a Hawai’i County project with Global Specialty Contractors, Inc. for $465,000 to install four additional reinforced concrete beams under this 70-year-old bridge. Questions/concerns: Contractor’s contact: Jerry Aldridge (341-1378); County’s contact: Bob Yanabu (961-8321). Concurrently, Goodfellow Bros. is concluding an ADA compliance sidewalk replacement project in Waimea town. Hotline for info/updates on the Goodfellow/sidewalks project: 887-0381.

HUNGER ISSUES EVEN MORE SERIOUS DURING SUMMER: When families do not have school breakfast and lunch programs to help feed children, there is often a peak in need at local food pantries, and more so in these challenging times when gas and utilities costs are soaring. Please consider dropping a donation off at the Annunciation or New Hope food pantries throughout the summer! If you would like to kokua, call Ann Lum (885-0879) with Annunciation Catholic Church’s food pantry or drop by foods, KTA Sav-A-Tapes, Foodland Maika’i awards, or call Johanna Reeve (885-5510) at the New Hope food pantry.

WAIMEA COMMUNITY EDUCATION OFFICE REOPENS: Programming resumes after extensive renovations – mostly by community friends! Zumba classes: Monday and Friday from 8:15-9:15 a.m., and Friday afternoon 4:15-5:15 p.m. More info, go to the website.

HAWAII PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL: Now thru July 14.More info, go to www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org, or call 808-333-7378. Remaining performances:

Thursday, July 14 – Bastille Day Celebration, 7 p.m. Aloha Theatre – Kona. HPAF Strings in conjunction with Arc of Kona. Masterpieces of French chamber music. Tickets $20. Sponsored by Alliance Francaise and Huggo’s.

Thursday, July 14 – TropicGLEE II: The Golden Age of Broadway – 7 p.m., Kahilu Theatre. Directed by Broadway actor and dancer Julio Monge, Musical Director, Brad Ellis, “Brad the Pianist” from hit TV show “Glee.” Tickets $25. Sponsored by Tiffany & Co. and Waianuhea. Also with kokua from Deviants from the Norm.

WAIMEA CROP SHARE TO CONTINUE THROUGH SUMMER: 12:30-3 p.m. every Saturday. at Mala`ai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School. Over a ton of fresh produce from North Hawai’i backyard gardens and farms has been shared to date. Bring surplus produce from your back yard garden or farm to exchange with or donate to others. Crop Share coordinators will facilitate exchanges by displaying and storing produce, helping participants determine fair exchange conditions, and collecting excess food at the end of the day for delivery to local food pantries. Everyone invited — and help welcome. Info: Nicole Milne (987-9210) or email: [email protected].

WAIMEA NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS WEEKLY MEETING: 5:30 p.m., Saturdays. At Mama’s House Thrift Store – next to Napa Auto Parts on Mamalahoa Highway. Everyone welcome.

NORTH HAWAI’I O-BON DANCES: In Buddhist tradition, families welcome back the spirits of departed loved ones during the summer months with services and festive dance events called o-bon. The community is invited. North Hawai’i celebrations:

* Saturday, July 16: Honokaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple – 6 p.m. (775-7232)

* Saturday, July 23: Papa’aloa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple – 6 p.m. (962-6340)

* Saturday, Aug 20: Hakalau Jodo Mission & Kamuela Hongwanji Buddhist Temple – 6 p.m. (775-7232)

‘ISLAND ISSUES’ RADIO TALK-STORY WITH SEN. MALAMA SOLOMON AND SHERRY BRACKEN ABOUT NEW NATIVE HAWAIIAN RECOGNITION LAW: Sunday, July 17.This new law – considered one of the most important to be passed by the 2011 Legislature — was signed by Governor Neil Abercrombie July 6. Will also discuss related bills. Several airings: 6:30 a.m. on KKOA 107.7 fm and online at www.koacountry.com, and at 8 a.m. on LAVA 105.3 fm and online at www.lava1053.com. The interview will also be posted to the LAVA 105 and KKOA news web site, www.bigislandnewscenter.com, by July 18.

FREE TAHITIAN DANCE CLASSES WITH TE ‘E’A O TE TURAMA: Offering a variety of classes including Tahitian dance, drumming, Samoan fire-knife, Maori and Hawaiian hula. Classes: Waimea: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1st and 3rd Sundays; Waikoloa: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., 2nd and 4th Sundays More info, go to www.teeaoteturama.com, or call Maile Lee (450-9664) or Dave Tavares (354-6499).

WAIMEA BALLROOM DANCE CLUB – CHA CHA LESSONS: Begins Monday, July 18 for six weeks. Waimea School Cafeteria. Registration accepted the first two weeks only at 6:30 p.m., with class beginning at 7. $15 for lessons plus membership. Dance instructor Sharon Petrosky. Info: Peter In (885-4776).

‘SECURING OUR FUTURE’ – A CONVERSATION ON ENERGY OPTIONS IN HAWAI’I: The final three of a 4-evening Monday series (6-8 p.m.), open to the public with experts and concerned citizens alike in a roundtable conversation on Hawaii’s energy future. At Ward Warehouse in Honolulu. May be one or several locations on Hawai’i Island with video converence link or skype, too.

Programs to include:

* July 18- Power Vision: Hawaiian Electric and Hawaii Solar Industry w/ Robbie Alm, Hawaiian Electric, and Mark Duda, Hawaii Solar industry Association.

* July 25- Big Cable & Big Wind: The Plan, The Questions, The Concerns w/ Gerald Sumida, Chair, Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative; Estrella Seese and Maria Tome, State Energy Office and Robin Kaye, Friends of Lanai. Additional Speaker Pending.

* August 1- Fuel For The Future: Biofuels, Geothermal – What’s Next? w/ Kelly King, Pacific Bio Diesel; Robbie Cabral, Innovations Development Group; and Jeff Mikulina, Blue Planet. Additional Speaker Pending.

RURAL OUTREACH SERVICES AT NHERC: Several State, Federal and Community Non-Profits bringing resources to North Hawai’i – Mondays through Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Services first-come on a walk-in basis. No appointment necessary.

NEW WEDNESDAY FARMERS MARKET AT ANNA RANCH: 1-5 p.m. weekly. A great solution for those who run out of fresh local produce mid-week and/or can’t make it to the Saturday morning markets. Features fresh produce, plants, baked goods, jams and jellies, sauces, juices, Hamakua and Koa coffees, local tea, bedding and landscape plants, local crafts and massage. Interested vendors, call Anna Ranch (885-4426) or email Vicki at [email protected]. Please use caution if parking along the edge of Kawaihae Road though this is permitted.

FREE COLLEGE-BOUND COUNSELING FOR WAIMEA FAMILIES: From 5-7 p.m. every Wednesday evening through April in the Thelma Parker Library Meeting Room with Nancy Honda. Will provide help for families with high school students needing financial assistance for college or trade school. Mrs. Honda shares not only what is available in the way of scholarships, grants and financial assistance, but also how to write a resume and an introductory letter, etc. Drop by the library during this time for information and to schedule a personal appointment.

FREE & LOW COST DENTAL CARE ON THE AMAZING TOOTH BUS: Thanks to community friends, this urgently needed service is again available for uninsured and MedQUEST-eligible youth up to 20 years of age who live in Honoka’a, Waimea, Kohala and Waikoloa. Scheduling based on urgency of care. Sponsored by Hamakua Health Center and Kohala Family Health Center with grants and other community support. Financial counselors will assist individuals and families with application for the Sliding Fee Discount Program and MedQUEST enrollment if not already a member. The bus will rotate between Honoka’a and Kohala Family Health Center on Hospital Road in Kapa’au. Info: 333-8410.

IMPORTANT – ANUENUE PLAYGROUND – WAIMEA COMMUNITY CALL TO ACTION: Initial attention will focus on keiki safety — pressure washing, sanding, sealing, decking and seating repairs, fencing repair/replacement, post replacement. Will need a wide array of skills, tools, materials & financial support. Go to www.WaimeaTown.org, for more details. This project is being coordinated by Waimea Community Association and Waimea Preservation Association in partnership with Hawaii County Parks & Rec staff, and with kokua from North Hawai’i Rotary and Waimea Outdoor Circle. Everyone’s help and generosity needed. Info: Sherman Warner (885-1725), Alex Woodbury (640-1566), Bill Sanborn (895-1122).

EXTENSIVE CLASSES OFFERED AT KOHALA’S NEW ‘LEARNING CENTER’: Go to www.KohalaLearning.org for full class roster and how to register. A project sponsored by the North Kohala Community Resource Center for all ages. There is a charge for some programs. Info: www.kohalalearning.org. .

IMPORTANT – COMMUNITY INVITED TO KICK OFF NEW STATE-COUNTY-NON-PROFIT IN-COMMUNITY ‘SATELLITE’ SERVICES AT NHERC WITH GOVERNOR, MAYOR, ETC.: 10 a.m., Thursday, July 21.At NHERC. Free and everyone invited to meet and talk-story with Governor Neil Abercrombie, Mayor Billy Kenoi, Sen. Malama Solomon, Rep. Mark Nakashima and representatives from numerous public and private agencies to kick off new in-community services available Monday-Thursday at NHERC. Mondays will focus on Ag-related concerns; Tuesdays on Education, from DOE to adult education; Wednesdays on Employment opportunities and job training; and Thursdays on Health care and elder care. All welcome.

‘HOW TO RECREATE LIFE WHEN AT AT CROSSROADS’ CLASS: 6-8:30 p.m., two Thursdays, July 21 & 28.Waimea Community Education with coach Desirée Watson. $50 fee plus $5 materials; early bird discount is $40 for registration by July 8. A fun, interactive workshop blending practical life skills and business knowledge to support personal success and growth. To register: 885-1539 or go to www.waimeaeducation.com. Or go to: www.DesireeWatson.com or call 883-9838.

WAIMEA COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS ‘OLIVER!’: July 22-Aug. 7.More details to come. Info: 885-5818 or go to www.waimeacommunitytheatre.org/

KOHALA WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP WORK DAY: Saturdays, July 23. Bring your camera! Come prepared for the possibility of very wet and soggy conditions. Waterproof boots, rain pants and a light, but warm waterproof top is highly recommended. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the back of Parker Square and return by 3 p.m. Snacks, tools and protective gloves provided. Bring water and lunch. RSVP requested by emailing: [email protected]. Wear sturdy shoes and come prepared for sun, mist, wind or rain. Info: www.kohalacenter.org/pelekaneblog.

BREAST FEEDING FRIENDS TALK-STORY: 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, July 23 and 2nd and 4th Tuesday monthly thereafter. Family Support Services of West Hawai’I’s Waimea Conference Room (across the parking lot from Tutu’s House). Free. For breast feeding moms, those who intend to breast feed and supportive past breast feeders (aunties, tutus). To share and continue to educate, problem solve and mentor each other. Facilitated by Breast Feeding Educator and Birth Doula Kiah Teves. Info: 936-4345.

IMPORTANT – 8th ANNUAL AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY WAIMEA RELAY FOR LIFE: Begins at 5 p.m., Saturday, July 23, concludes at 6 a.m., Sunday, July 24 at Anderson Arena, mile maker 51 on Mamalahoa Hwy heading towards Honoka’a. Event celebrates the lives of hundreds of local cancer survivors, remembers those who have lost the battle, fights back against cancer and raises vital funds needed to help find a cure. This overnight community event brings together teams of families, friends, churches, neighborhoods and businesses. Walkers keep continuous presences on the track throughout the night, walking in shifts – showing that cancer never sleeps. Lots of entertainment and delicious foods make the all-nighter a fun, family-friendly gathering! Info: 895-3168 or go to www.relayforlife.org/waimeahi

JULY 25 DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ART FOR BREADFRUIT ART CONTEST: Hawai’i Homegrown Food Network, Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and Donkey Mill Art Center are presenting the Ho’oulu ka ‘Ulu – Revitalizing Breadfruit in Hawai’i Art Contest. In preparation for Breadfruit Festival Greenwell Garden Saturday, Sept. 2011. All Hawai’i Island artists invited to submit original 2D media artwork. Electronic submissions due July 25 for initial judging and semi-finalists will be asked to bring original work to the Donkey Mill Art Center on Thursday, Aug. 11 for an artist’s reception and final judging. To be displayed at Breadfruit Festival. One winning piece will be selected to be featured in a collectable poster commemorating the Ho’oulu ka ‘Ulu project and will be sold at the Breadfruit Festival and beyond as a fundraiser for the project. Prizes awarded for best artwork. Additional info and submission forms: www.breadfruit.info.

WAIMEA MIDDLE SCHOOL Back-To-School ‘Gear-Up’: 8 a.m. – 4 p. m., Wednesday-Friday, July 27-29.School office. Families with students may pick-up class schedules, order and/or pick-up uniform t-shirts, pay fees, sign up for tutoring. Info: 887-6090 Ext. 222.

‘MEET THE ICE GIANTS’ PUBLIC LECTURE HOSTED BY KECK TELESCOPE: 7 p.m., Thursday, July 28.Hualalai Learning Theatre at W.M. Keck Observatory headquarters in Waimea. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presentation by Heidi Hammel, Executive Vice President of Association of Universities for Research In Astronomy (AURA). Community invited; coffee and snacks served. Info: 881-3827 or email [email protected]. Or sign up via [email protected]

KA HUI KAPA APANA O WAIMEA (QUILT CLUB): 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 30 and last Saturday of every month except November and December when the meeting is on the third Saturday. St. James Episcopal Church Parish Hall. This is Hawaii’s oldest Hawaiian quilting club. Everyone welcome. Free. Info: Kathy Tanaka (775-0765).

4TH ANNUAL WAIKOLOA PTSA BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, July 30.Waikoloa school. Celebrate the new school year. Free and scripts available for fun activities such as Party Bouncers, Rock Wall Climbing, Games and Face Painting. Enjoy a variety of food, a silent auction and live entertainment while also making lunch deposits, viewing class assignment postings and filling out bus applications. All proceeds benefit Waikoloa School PTSA. Info or to volunteer, email [email protected].

PAPA’ALOA HONGWANJI O BON CELEBRATION: Saturday, July 30.6 p.m. Service; 7 p.m. dancing begins. Temple is on the makai side of Mamalahoa Highway (Hwy 19) near the 24 mile marker. The Young Buddhists Association from Hilo will host concession stand and the temple will sell Bon Odori towels. Four drummers from Bon Odori Taiko will accompany the music. Community invited!

WAIMEA MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSES RESUME: Monday, Aug. 1

AUG. 1 DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR ‘SURFING SITES ON LAND & SEA’ HAWAI’I ISLAND TRAIL CULTURE & TRADITIONS COURSE AND OTHERS OFFERED BY UH-Center – WEST HAWAI’I: Eight Saturdays beginning Aug. 27, Sept. 10, 17; Oct. 1, 8, 22 & 29 and concluding Nov. 5.9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Instructor E. Kalani Flores. Will explore cultural sites and traditions associated with holua (sledding) and he’e nalu (surfing) along the coastal and inland areas of West Hawai’i. Course HWST 119. Includes moderate hiking. No pre-requisites to enroll. Students can earn 3 college credits or audit the class. Admission/Registration, call: Student Services (322-4856), or for specific course information, contact instructor at [email protected].

‘BUSINESS FIRST! TUESDAYS AT DANIEL THIEBAUT’S RESTAURANT: 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 2 and the first Tuesday of every month. An informal networking session of business people who are eager toserve North Hawai’i clients, and potential North Hawai’i clients or customers who want to meet and speak informally with business people in the area. Co sponsored by North Hawai’i Rotary and Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce. Bring plenty of business cards and enjoy drastically discounted prices from Daniel Thiebault’s.

IMPORTANT – WAIMEA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION TOWN MEETING: 5:15 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 4.Waimea School Cafeteria. Everyone invited. Agenda will include another guest performance by Waimea youth. As always for WCA Town Meetings, donations for Waimea food pantries requested and project chair Elaine Warner will "Pass the Hat" preferably for checks or cash to enable pantry staff to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables and other essentials for families in need. Also, hot coffee provided by Starbucks-Waimea for all meetings. Donations welcome for the coffee which are given to the food pantry too. Info: Sherman Warner (885-1725).

HAWAI’I HORSE EXPO: Friday-Sunday, Aug. 5-7.Benefits Hawai’i Island Humane Society’s Horse Rescue Fund, which helps abused and abandoned horses on the island. Begins with Equine Medical Symposium August 5 at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, then continues with clinics and demonstrations August 6-7 at historic Anna Ranch in Waimea. Friday symposium to address breeding, training newborn foals to be good patients, handling the equine patient, calming a spooky horse, making a horse road-safe, how to deal with bucking, rearing and running off, how to change a horse’s attitude and more, plus a panel on the feral donkeys of Waikoloa. Top equine veterinarians Dr. Robert Miller from California, Dr. Brady Bergin of Waimea and Dr. Mark Fitch from Colorado will share their experiences so that attendees learn better animal care. Sunday begins with a Blessing of the Horses. Horse owners are welcome to bring a strand of their horse’s mane or tail for a traditional Hawaiian blessing. Also on Sunday, Hawaii Horse Expo will present the event’s Mana Award to recognize an individual on the Big Island who has inspired and educated the community about horses in line with the goals of Hawaii Horse Expo. Throughout Saturday and Sunday the Hawaii Horse Expo Vending Hall will be open for shopping and a Silent Auction will benefit Hawaii Island Humane Society. There is a daily event charge and Gold and Platinum benefactor passes available. Event is limited to fifty people. Info and tickets available at Hawaii Island Humane Society shelters in Kona, Waimea and Keaau or may be downloaded at www.HawaiiHorseExpo.com. Anyone interested in becoming a supporter, vendor or sponsor should contact Jones at 808-887-2301 or email [email protected].

59th ANNUAL HILO ORCHID SHOW – STATE’S LARGEST – OFFERS ‘ORCHID SAFARI: Friday-Sunday, Aug. 5-7. Edith Kanakaole Stadium. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday. 28 vendors, mostly of orchids including over 2,000 specimen plants, plus “green” vendors and demonstrations on orchid culture and flower arranging and Hawaiian entertainment during lunch hours. A silent auction throughout the show. A preview party kicks off the event from 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 4 with delicious local fresh cuisine by Audrey Wilson and Russell Ruderman from Island Naturals, desserts from Eclairs, coffee from Hilo Coffee Mill, wines including some from Africa in keeping with the safari theme, and Kona Brewing Company’s locally brewed beer. $65 preview party tickets benefit Ku`ikahi Mediation Center, the non-profit alternative dispute organization serving east Hawai’i for the last 26 years. Displays and plants will be judged for ribbons and trophies Thursday morning, and American Orchid Society merit judging will be conducted Thursday afternoon with awards presented at the preview party. The coveted best of show trophy will be the Yasuji Takasaki perpetual trophy. Mr. Takasaki, who was a pioneer in the orchid industry in Hawai’I, passed away this year at age 95. An avid grower, he worked in the family nursery, Carmela Orchids, until the month before his death. There will be a memorial display honoring him at the show. Tickets available at Basically Books-Hilo, or call Danny Robinson (557-8886) or Ku’ikahi Mediation Center (935-7844 Ext.3, or email: [email protected].

NEW HOPE WAIMEA’S ‘INDOOR SWAP MEET’: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6 and the first Saturday of every month. Many schools, groups/organizations, and individuals utilize the gym, and proceeds from this monthly marketplace benefit the Gymnasium Improvement Fund at New Hope Waimea. Bring a friend and shop for antiques, unique collectables, crafts, clothes, books, food, art, rummage, jewelry, toys and more. Vendor space still available and reasonable. For vendor information please call Skip @ 989-4422 or email [email protected].

1ST ANNUAL WAIMEA HAWAIIAN HOMESTEADERS BENEFIT LUAU: 4-10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6.Kuhio Hale – Hawaiian Homes Hall. A delicious feast including laulau, chicken long rice, poi or rice, lomi salmon, poke and dessert. Tickets $20. Available at Without Boundaries, Parker Ranch Store, Mama’s House Thrift Store and Kanu o Ka ‘Aina. Everyone invited!

CLASSICAL GUITAR CONCERT WITH HOKU WINNER LEE EISENSTEIN: 7:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 8.Honokaa People’s Theater. Tickets $12; available at the door. Info/tickets: 775-0000.

WAIMEA SENIOR CLUB MONTHLY MEETINGS. 9 a.m., Tuesday, August 9 (and the 2ND Tuesday of each month). Waimea Senior Center. All persons 55+ invited to join. Daily activities include: Mondays: Hawaiian quilting, Tuesdays: Meetings & crafts, Wednesdays:Line Dancing, Thursdays: Mah Jong, Fridays: Ground Golf, Ukulele lessons & Hula Lessons. Info: Pat Lewi, President (885-4307).

SOUTH KOHALA TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MONTHLY MEETING: 4 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 9 and second Tuesday of every month. Waimea Civic Center near the Courts and Police Station. Community urged to attend to learn about issues and provide input. All welcome to attend. Info: Chair Mike Price email: [email protected].

WAIMEA’S PUPULE PAPALE CHAPTER OF THE RED HAT SOCIETY MONTHLY MEETING: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, August 11 at Waimea’s Huli Sue’s (and the 2nd Thursday of every month at a local restaurant). This sisterhood actively promotes fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment and fitness as well as the contributions of women. If interested in joining, call Queen Mother Nina Disbro (895-1234). Future meetings: September 8 at Jade Palace, October 13 at Solimene’s, and November 10 at Merriman’s Market Cafe.

MAUNA KEA QUILTERS MONTHLY MEETING: 9:30 a.m. – Noon, Saturday, August 13 and 2nd Saturday of every month in the Thelma Parker Memorial Library Meeting Room. This patchwork quilters group enjoys sharing their love of quilting with others. They begin monthly meetings with a short business session and show and tell. The group generously contributes quilts to support a variety of community organizations and also have provided quilts to the police/fire department and North Hawaii Community Hospital for those in need and at Christmas they make quilted stockings and quilts for needy children. Info: Becky Parkinson (937-2159).

WAIMEA HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB MONTHLY MEETING: 6 p.m., Sunday, August 14 and 2nd Sunday of every month. Imiola Church Laiana Hall. (Note: This is a change in meeting days from 2010.) Potluck follows. President: Maulili Dickson (987-9378).

NORTH KOHALA PUBLIC LIBRARY ADULT BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP: 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 16 as part of the summer reading program. All interested teen and adult readers welcome; will continue on a monthly basis. Info: Janet Lam (889-6655) to register or request a book.

SAVE THE DATE: WILIWILI FESTIVAL: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 20.Celebrating “All Things Waikoloa” with informational and educational booths, workshops, keiki activities, bookmobile, live entertainment, contest, and foods. More info to come.

2011 HAWAI’I ISLAND FESTIVAL – 30 DAYS OF ALOHA: Open to everyone! Most events are free but purchase of $5 ribbons helps underwrite expenses for this all-volunteer-run series of events. For information or to participate, contact Moani Akana, project manager and Paniolo Parade Chair (885-3110), Leiola Mitchell, Ms. Aloha Nui Chair (887-0480); Pua Garmon, Kindy Sproat Falsetto Chair (345-8575), Linda Pokipala, Poke and Ho’olaule’a Food Booth Chair (937-4896), Doreen Kama, Court Director, and Keke Kaniho, Kalaimoku (443-4164), and Lorna Akima, Ho’olaule’a Craft Vendor Chair (960-2841). Providing kokua and funding as festival partners are Big Island Resource Conservation & Development Inc., HTA, OHA, Waikoloa Beach Resort, Big Island Visitors Bureau, North Hawai’i Rotary and Canada-France-Hawai’i Telescope Corp. Festival events will include:

* Saturday, Aug. 27 – 10 a.m. – Investiture at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge).

* Sunday, Aug. 28 – Royal Court attends service at Puako’s historic Hokuloa Church.

* Friday, Sept. 2 – Ms. Aloha Nui Pageant – location at Waikoloa Resort to be confirmed.

* Saturday, Sept. 3 – Annual Poke Contest – location at Waikoloa Resort to be confirmed.

* Saturday, Sept. 3 – Uncle Kindy Sproat Falsetto & Storytelling Contest – location at Waikoloa Resort to be confirmed.

* Thursday, Sept. 15 – Royal Court appears at Kupuna Hula Festival

* Friday, Sept. 16 – Royal Court appears at Hula Palua Contest (location to be confirmed)

* Saturday, Sept. 17 – 36th Annual Waimea Paniolo Parade (10 a.m.) & All-Day Ho’olaule’a (until 4 p.m.) – Parade from historic Church Row Park to Waimea Park; Ho’olaule’a in the park.

* Sunday, Sept. 25 – Royal Court appears at annual Queen Lili’uokalani Festival in Hilo.

NORTH HAWAI’I HOSPICE FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY: 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 28.Fairmont Orchid. To honor and remember loved ones. Will feature Taiko drumming, hula, chanting and prayers prior to the twilight lantern release ceremony. Free to attend. Lanterns will be available for purchase for a suggested donation of $10. Food and refreshments will also be available for purchase. Complimentary self parking provided. Info and to reserve a lantern, call North Hawaii Hospice (885-7547).

35TH ANNUAL PARKER RANCH ROUNDUP CLUB SCHOLARSHIP RODEO: Sept. 3-4.Parker Ranch Arena. More details to come. Community invited. Funds raised provide scholarships for the children of Parker Ranch employee families.

36th ANNUAL HAWAI’I ISLAND FESTIVAL PANIOLO PARADE & ALL-DAY WAIMEA HO’OLAULE’A: Saturday, Sept. 17.Parade begins at 10 a.m. from historic Church Row Park to Waimea Park. Ho’olaule’a until 4 p.m. in the park. Everyone invited! Info: Moani Akana (885-3110)

ANNUAL HOEA ARTISANS EXHIBIT: Sept. 24-26.PIKO Awards will be presented the last day. More information to come or go to www.khf-hoea.org/.

BREADFRUIT FESTIVAL: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 24.At the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden. Includes a dedication of new visitor center at noon. Free and all welcome. Will celebrate the rich culture of breadfruit (‘ulu) in Hawai’i and the Pacific, raise awareness about the importance of breadfruit for food security and teach about the many delicious ways to prepare it. To include cooking demonstrations by local celebrity chefs, food booths featuring breadfruit and other local favorites and an “I Love Breadfruit” Cook-Off Contest where anyone may enter their favorite breadfruit dish to compete for prizes. Will also feature Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultural activities including ‘Ulumaika (breadfruit bowling), talks on the culture and history of breadfruit, ‘?lelo No’eau, woodworking, quilting demonstrations, tapa making, ‘ulu poi making and also workshops on breadfruit propagation, tree care and maintenance, economic opportunities, Hunger Initiative and other topics by experts. Finally, will include an art exhibit of the finalists in a fine art contest focused on the beauty of breadfruit, and a youth poster contest. Breadfruit trees will be available for sale but supplies limited and advance purchase for pick up at the festival is encouraged by contacting [email protected].

MEALANI’S 16th ANNUAL ‘TASTE OF THE HAWAIIAN RANGE’ & AGRICULTURAL FESTIVAL: 6-8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30.Hilton Waikoloa Village. Bringing together local ranchers, farmers, restaurateurs and eager eaters to celebrate a bounty of locally produced food including over 30 of the state’s top chefs creating delectable dishes using grass-fed beef, pork, lamb, goat, mutton and wild boar-plus fresh island fruit and veggies. Also, participants may come early (3 p.m.) to learn how to use and prepare 100% pasture-raised beef at Grass-Fed Beef Cooking 101 with guest presenter – KTA’s Derek Kurisu of TV’s “Living in Paradise.” Tickets available online starting March 1 at http://www.TasteOfTheHawaiianRange.com. Prices remain the same: $40 presale and $60 at the door. Cooking demo $10. Info: 987-3432. Local food producers wishing to participate with a vendor booth can contact Nina Tanabe [email protected] or 808-933-8611. This event provides a venue for sustainable agricultural education, and supports locally produced ag products. Presented in partnership by CTAHR, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Association, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Kulana Foods and community volunteers, plus the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaii County Department of Research and Development, Big Island Resource Conservation & Development, Hawaii Community College Food Service & Culinary Program and KTA SuperStores. Info: http://www.TasteOfTheHawaiianRange.com.