Weekend Update: August 25-27, 2011

We all know that family and a support system are very important, and this past week has reminded my family of that in a most direct way. As we are slowly recovering from a nearly unrecoverable event, I am personally thankful to be surrounded by family and friends that are extremely supportive and positive minded people.  As unfortunate as the circumstances were, the family used the opportunity to communicate and work thru problems that otherwise would've gone unattended. Please make an extra effort this weekend to come together as a family. Let the little things go and focus on what's important. Spend time, not money. Love each other. Mahalo!

As August winds down, events continue to explode and provide plenty of opportunity to explore culturally.  Continuing thru the weekend is the Original Play Festival XVIII. For the eighteenth consecutive year, Aloha Performing Arts Company is presenting to Kona its unique season-starting event, the Original Play Festival, or "OPF," as it is referred to by those involved. This year the festival offers staged readings of new plays in the evenings, Wednesday through Saturday, August 24 through 27 at 7:30 p.m., and a free public potluck celebration honoring all the participants on Sunday, August 28 at 2:30 p.m. All activities are presented at the historic Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu.  Tickets are $5, or $1 with the previous night's stub. Click here for a schedule.

As athletics are an integral part of the Kona lifestyle, even if you're not involved directly, you will be affected by many, many events throughout the year, mostly in a traffic related way.  This weekend is the Lavaman Triathlon, a full weekend event. It kicks off Friday at 5:30p.m. with the Lavaman 1st Annual 5K Sunset Run/Walk, a fundraiser for PATH. There'll be great dining deals and hula afterwards at the Keauhou Shopping Center. 

Saturday is the LavaKids Aquathon & Keiki Dash. A great opportunity and a fun way for the kids to get out and experience living a healthy lifestyle. The kids are up anyway already, aren't they? The Youth Aquathon ($20 -ages 7-14) starts at 9:15, the Keiki Dash at 10:15 ($10 for 6 & under). After the event, enjoy the pool & slides at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa from 11:30 - 1:30 p.m.

The main event starts at 7:00 on Sunday, the awards ceremony form 12-2pm. Go support a triathlete!

This weekend also marks the beginning of the 2011 Hawaii Island Festival, with events sprinkled over the next 30 days. The Investiture of the Royal Court kicks off the Festival Saturday at 10:00a.m. at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge). I hope I'm not the only one who had to look up the term "investiture".

If you would like to support Hawaii Island Festival - 30 Days of Aloha, you may do so by purchasing a ribbon ($5.00 each). The ribbons are keepsake items and are available by contacting any of the committee chairs.

A follow-up event on Sunday has the Royal Court attending service at Puako’s historic Hokuloa Church. Service starts at 9:00 a.m.

The Donkey Mill Art Center is hosting another spectacular event this weekend, Saturday from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.  For "Cool Fusion", the 5th annual fundraising event, DMAC ceramic artists have produced an astounding 1000 hand-made ceramic bowls. Each visitor chooses one of these beautiful bowls, which they will keep, to enjoy a light lunch of Japanese cold somen noodles. Entry Fee is $20, $10 for children under 12.

Sunday, North Hawaii Hospice will be hosting the first annual Floating Lantern Ceremony in partnership with The Fairmont Orchid. The program will honor and remember loved ones who have passed on. If you didn't happen to see or watch Honolulu's Floating Lantern Ceremony on television earlier this summer, it's definitely a site to see and an event to remember.

Admission is free of charge. Lanterns will be available for purchase for a suggested donation of $10.00.  Food and refreshments will also be available for purchase. Complimentary Self Parking will be provided at the Fairmont Orchid Resort.

And of course, Kona's regularly scheduled events:

Lowe's Build 'n' Grow Workshop on Saturday from 10:00-12:00 a.m. Kids get to build a locker to stash their goodies. Kit includes stickers, chalkboard and chalk. If you haven't been to one of the workshops, your child will get an apron and goggles to take home, as well as a badge upon completion.  Anyone out there want to sew my son's on his apron? 


Queens' Marketplace Movie Under the Stars: 500 Days of Summer.
Stroll around the mall and return with your beach chair or blanket (& dinner!) for Friday's FREE movie.


Aloha nui loa!  Live strong, love fiercely!