Year at a Glance

Special Promotional Section

By Jenny de Jesús

Mark your calendars, here are some of the best events happening in Kailua in 2008.

Photo by Arturo Solis

April 27

The 16th Annual “I Love Kailua” Town Party, Kailua Road

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
This popular annual fundraiser presented by the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle features food from local restaurants, live entertainment, crafts, plant and orchid sales, keiki activities and much more. Proceeds from the party will help keep Kailua “clean, green and beautiful” by funding projects for the landscaping and maintenance of the town’s public parks and roadsides. Purchase event buttons in advance from any of the 50 participating local establishments for $3, or purchase buttons for $4 at the event. Children 12 and under get in free. Plus, if you plan on biking to the party, a “bicycle valet” program will provide accommodations for securing your ride. For more information, call 234-0404.

May 3

Lanikai Spring Craft Fair

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
(Lanikai Park, corner of Aalapapa Drive and Kaiolena Streets, Kailua.)
This bi-annual fundraising event sponsored by the Lanikai Association features the original handcrafted work of nearly 100 of Hawai‘i’s most talented craftspeople. Many of the products are created solely for this event and are not available anywhere else. A large selection of Mother’s Day gifts, home accents, jewelry, clothing, art and more make this a highly anticipated event each spring. Proceeds help maintain Lanikai Park. For more information, call 927-7989.

July 4

Kailua Fourth of July Parade, Festival and Fireworks

The Kailua Chamber of Commerce presents the fourth of July parade and festival each year. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Kainalu Drive and continues on to the Kailua District Park. After the sun sets, the annual fireworks display lights up the sky at Kailua Beach Park. www.visitkailua.com

Oct. 3

Cool Kailua Nights, Kailua Field

Celebrate the best of Kailua’s food, fun and spirit at this annual block party and health awareness fair. Funds raised by the event benefit those affected by cancer through donations to Castle Medical Center’s Chemotherapy Unit and the Ho‘ola Cancer Exercise Program. Food booths, local entertainment, carnival rides and more keep the fun going well into the night. www.coolkailuanights.com

More Kailua Events   People’s Open Market Every Thursday 9 – 10 a.m. 21 S. Kainalu Drive 522-7088 www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/programs/pom Kailua Thursday Night Farmers’ Market Every week 5 – 7 p.m. Kailua Parking Garage (behind  Longs) www.hfbf.org/Farmers MarketKailua.html   Art Walk Every second Sunday of the Month 2– 5 p.m. 442-A Uluniu St., 263-4434. More than a dozen art venues and businesses open their doors for art demonstrations, activities, exhibits, food, shopping and more. Pick up a map at any of the venues, including the event’s founding gallery, Balcony Gallery.

Nov. 15 and 16

Holiday Boutique

For more than 30 years, a group of crafty Kailuans has been hosting this annual holiday craft sale. Although the location changes every year, the Holiday Boutique has garnered quite a following throughout the years, with more than 1,000 people checking out the wares each holiday season. Handmade products such as jams, jellies, stained glass, beadwork and wood bowls will be up for sale. For more information, call 254-3344.

Nov. 29

Light Up Kailua

Once Thanksgiving is over, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas. The Kailua Chamber of Commerce sponsors this holiday event in the center of town. The distinctive,  large banyan trees are decked out with lights and decorations by volunteers and the Kailua Fire Department every year. www.visitkailua.com