Celebrate America!

Star-Bulletin staff
features@starbulletin.com

This weekend brings many choices on where and how to celebrate the Fourth of July. And, you don't have to wait until July 4 to begin celebrating. Below is a list of where to go and what to do.

SATURDAY
Bring the family to Waikiki

Family Day in Waikiki Saturday promises to be the largest Independence Day weekend celebration in Honolulu, a warm-up for the Fourth of July, as a community celebration of pride and patriotism in honor of Hawaii's keiki and America's armed forces.

Family Day International, Ala Moana Center, Outrigger Hotels, Gentry Homes and Verizon are among the sponsors of Family Day events that begin at 10 a.m., continuing through 9:30 p.m.

The celebration begins with a parade from Fort DeRussy to Kapiolani Park, featuring thousands of local keiki, floats, classic cars, costumed cartoon characters, and individuals dressed in costumes reflecting their ethnic heritage, plus beauty queens and Families of the Year. Uncle Sam will be leading the parade, sponsored by the Hawaii Christian Coalition.

The parade winds up at Kapiolani Park, where the bandstand area will be full of activities from noon to 5 p.m. There will be clowns, giant puppets, storytelling by Vivian Aiona, inflatables, rides, arts and crafts, children's games and food booths.

There will also be a concert at the bandstand with ethnic performances and popular entertainers like Jordan Segundo, Frank Delima, The Royal Hawaiian Band and a special guest.

The evening ends with "Sunset on the Beach" activities at Queen's Surf Beach.

» Place: Parade on Kalakaua; festivities at Kapiolani Park
» Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., continuing with "Sunset on the Beach" to about 9:30 p.m. Saturday
» Admission: Free

Aloha to All-American BBQ

Aloha Stadium will be hosting an All-American BBQ and Beer Garden during the swap meet. When you've had your fill of browsing, cruise over to the stadium's North End for lounging and grooving to live music, and beer and barbecue for purchase.

» Place: Aloha Stadium swap meet
» Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday; repeats Sunday
» Admission: 50 cents per person
» Call: 486-6704

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BAYFEST
Celebrate Independence Day with four days of fireworks, entertainment, ono food and more.

SUNDAY
Fireworks at the Tower

Aloha Tower Marketplace will host a pre-Independence Day celebration, "3rd of July Fireworks & Entertainment Extravaganza," from 5 p.m., ending with a fireworks display over Honolulu Harbor at 8:45 p.m.

In counting down to the fireworks, there will be free entertainment on multiple stages including performances by Jordan Segundo followed by an autograph and photo opportunity, Jake Shimabukuro, Pacific Fleet Band, Drill Team Hawaii, the Roosevelt Cheerleaders, a fashion show by New Media Productions, an appearance by the ladies of Ms. West Oahu, and strolling entertainers.

In addition, there will be cotton candy and popcorn, prize giveaways, free face and hair painting, a balloonist booth, free samples of Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut samples and their wave-rider machine.

Kapono's, Don Ho's and Gordon Biersch will be offering drink and food specials all night, and for those who love to shop, a minimum purchase of $25 between June 27 and July 4th will get you a free patriotic bear on July 3 and 4 while supplies last when you show your receipts.

» Place: Aloha Tower Marketplace; park at the marketplace or TOPA Financial Center
» Time: Starts at 5 p.m., with fireworks at 8:45 p.m. Sunday
» Admission: Free
» Call: 566-2337

View from the water

There's no jostling for a space and view from land if you're enjoying the fireworks by sea.

Star of Honolulu is offering a trio of 3rd of July cruise options for celebrating a memorable Independence Day, complete with fireworks over Honolulu Harbor.

Choose from a Cocktail Cruise with snacks and Hawaiian music; Romance dinner cruise with three-course French-style dinner and jazz duo; or Admiral's Dinner Cruise featuring a three-course French-style dinner and live jazz on the top deck.

» Place: Departs from Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 8
» Time: 8:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday
» Admission: From $29.25 to $97.50 with valid Hawaii or military I.D.
» Call 983-STAR (7827) or visit www.starofhonolulu.com

MONDAY
Get ready for the fireworks

Head to the Army's 34th Annual Fourth of July Spectacular at Schofield Barracks' Sills Field for the island's largest fireworks display.

The free celebration includes a 5K fun run, a children's one-mile fun run, crafts and pony rides, a new products bazaar, displays of vintage military vehicles, and other family-friendly events.

Entertainment at the Oceanic Stage includes Kalaeloa at noon, Courtney and Friends at 1 p.m., Tani Lynn and Jordan Segundo at 2 p.m. and Opihi Pickers at 3 p.m. Also, join performers from past Army Community Theatre productions such as "Miss Saigon" stars Shawna Matsuda, Sam Hesch and Fran Gendrano, plus Sherry Chock from "The King & I," joined by Leon Williams and the Tropic Lightning Band performing "From Broadway to Iraq" in two acts at 5:05 p.m. and 7 p.m.

There will be a "Salute to Units" that served in Iraq and Afghanistan at 6:30 p.m., narrated by Jayme Alexander and Grace Austin and the "1812 Overture" will sound at 7:45 p.m.

Event producer Vanita Rae Smith wrote "The Flags We Follow," to be narrated by Jo Pruden and Jayme Alexander before the fireworks.

JN Mazda is providing a Mazda B2300 pickup as a grand prize, with a 6:55 p.m. drawing. Enter to win at the JN Mazda Showroom in advance or by 6 p.m. at the event.

» Place: Schofield Barracks, Sills Field
» Time: Begins 8 a.m., concludes with fireworks about 8:30 p.m. Monday
» Admission: Free

Kailua loves a parade

The 59th annual Kailua Parade, "Salute our American Heroes," takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, with community groups and bands moving down Kainalu Drive from Palapu Street to Kailua District Park. Kainalu Drive will close to automobile traffic at 9 a.m.

Enjoy a day of shopping and dining in Kailua Town, then head to the beach and stay for evening fireworks as follows:

» Place: Kailua Beach Park
» Time: 8 p.m. Monday
» Admission: Free

Pearl Harbor block party

More community festivities will fill the streets of Pearl Harbor, with music, HCW wrestling, carnival games, arts and crafts, and food, just for military affiliated personnel, family and sponsored guests. It all ends with a bang, with fireworks at 8:30 p.m.

» Place: Pearl Harbor
» Time: 2 to 9 p.m. Monday
» Admission: Free
» Call: 473-0606