On July 4, Hawaii County joins the rest of the United States in celebration of the country’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which officially declared U.S. independence from Great Britain.
On July 4, Hawaii County joins the rest of the United States in celebration of the country’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which officially declared U.S. independence from Great Britain.
A federal holiday, all governmental services, public schools and most banks and credit unions close for the day, and a large number of activities are planned for the “Hilo Bay Blast!” centered on the Lehua Jaycee’s annual fireworks display from Moku Ola, which takes place at 8 p.m.
The Hilo Downtown Improvement Association encourages everyone to enjoy the program and declares next Wednesday as “Independent’s Day” encouraging everyone to support and visit all our independent businesses while in the area.
If you’re still wondering why it is so important to support independent businesses, here are a couple good reasons: it builds stronger communities and sustains a healthier environment. When you buy local it doesn’t “leak out” to a distant corporate headquarters and more money says in the local economy. You typically find unique quality items for purchase in local businesses such as one-of-a-kind clothing, furniture, art, etc. and when it comes to food, local beef and local veggies are often less expensive. Add the individual and personal service independent businesses strive to maintain and things start to add up so why not Think Local, Buy Local, at least on “Independent’s Day” next week?
On that day, thousands of people will park, walk, ride, shuttle, bike and skate in and around the downtown area, and if you find yourself as part of that crowd, please think about where you want to shop and eat. Dozens of restaurants, galleries, shops, grocery stores and snack shops will be open for business in downtown with friendly merchants selling food, beverages, bathing suits, beachwear, gasoline, cook stoves, active play toys, hats, sunscreen, goza mats, coolers, ice, cameras, batteries and just about everything else you need for a great family “Independent’s” and “Independence Day” party at the “Hilo Bay Blast!”
Blast activities kick off with the two-day Hilo Bay BBQ Cook-Off starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday at the Hilo Bayfront commuter parking lot. The three-time U.S. barbecue champion, two Texas teams, and Oahu’s defending champs will join local chefs in competing for $3,000 and the honor of representing Hawaii in the World Championship Invitational Barbecue competition in Lynchburg, Tenn. Judging begins at 11 a.m. Wednesday, and winners will be announced at 5 p.m.
Events will begin earlier on Wednesday with Pahoa VFW Post 3830’s “A Salute to Our Veterans” 2nd annual Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk at Liliuokalani Gardens starting at 7 a.m. From 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. hundreds of car enthusiasts with hundreds of antique and classic cars will fill the Hilo Bayfront Park on the paved section adjacent to the canoe clubs on Kamehameha Avenue for Hawaii Classic Cruisers’ “July Fourth Car Show & Shine.” Television personality Dennis Gage will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and film a new episode of his long-running “My Classic Car” cable TV show. Free family entertainment includes hula, Tahitian, easy listening and rock and roll performances throughout the day. As if that’s not enough, a variety of children’s games and contests, a waterslide and jumping castle will be offered starting a 9 a.m. at the Mooheau baseball field. The adjacent historic bandstand will be the site for activities and performances by local musicians throughout the day with the 7 p.m. patriotic concert by the Hawaii County Band getting the crowds ready for the 8 p.m. fireworks.
Parking will be a challenge so think about taking the free Hele-On shuttle service running from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. with parking and pick up points at the Mooheau Bus Station, Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and Aupuni Center. The shuttle route runs through Banyan Drive and along Kamehameha Avenue to the bus station before heading back along Kamehameha Avenue and up to Aupuni Center. Patrons should wait for the shuttle at the bus shelters along the route. The Bayfront Highway will be closed from 6-10 p.m. and gates at the bus station and ball field will be open to allow pedestrian access to this area during the fireworks.
A collaboration between Hawaii County and State as well as many organizations and individuals, you can contact the Culture and Education Division at 961-8706 or Jason Armstrong, public information officer, at 345-9105, or jarmstrong@co.hi.hawaii.us for more information.
Please remember that no personal/private tents will be allowed and personal fireworks are prohibited at all beaches, parks, harbors and on roadways. And also please remember to support the heart and soul of our local economy, the independent local businesses in our community. Think local, buy local on “Independent’s Day” and every day you possibly can.
Around Downtown is written by Alice Moon, executive director of the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association. Call Moon at 935-8850 or e-mail askalice@downtownhilo.com to share news about issues, events and activities.