Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival returns on February 4
This year’s Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival has a full slate of free multicultural performing arts and hands-on demonstrations, plus a multitude of artisans and food booths from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 4. Look for the new pink banners around town identifying the festival locations.
The artwork for the 2023 event is “Mejiro and Cherry Blossoms” by Kona artist Laurel Oglesby. The pastel was the winning art from a field of 13 chosen by the festival committee. The painting, depicting a locally seen bird flitting among the cherry blossom trees, has been reproduced in a limited number of collector’s posters available for $10 from the Waimea Arts Council’s Firehouse Gallery.
Festival activities take place at various venues spread across downtown with free shuttle service between Parker Ranch Center, Church Row Park, and Pukalani Stables. Parking is available at Parker Ranch Center, the soccer field across from Church Row Park, and along Pukalani Street.
The free booklet, “Festival 2023 Activity Lineup,” will be available at all venues to guide festival-goers between activities. In addition, a free 2023 Souvenir Program will also be distributed to showcase the many organizations that organize the festival.
Hosted by the county’s parks and recreation department and community members, the festival marks the historic cherry blossoms in Church Row Park and celebrates the ancient Japanese tradition of hanami, which translates to “cherry blossom viewing party.” “. After a seasonal winter cold, the trees typically flower in early February.
Knights of Columbus Council Announces Meetings
Knights of Columbus Council 13227 will meet at 5:45 pm on February 13 on the lanai of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Kailua Village. Additionally, on February 12 from 7-9 am, Knights of Columbus Council 13227 will be serving “coffee and donuts” in the church.
All visiting Knights are welcome to join. Potential new members can contact David Aragon at (808) 896-8455 at hauoli [email protected]
Highlight the academic achievements of residents
Waikoloa resident Violet Freeney, who is studying neuroscience, was recently named to Bucknell University’s Dean’s List for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2022-23 academic year. A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale to receive Dean’s List recognition.
Naalehu’s Daniel Neal, meanwhile, was among nearly 2,000 students who graduated last fall from the University of Iowa. Neal was a student in graduate management programs whose major was leadership. The degree awarded was a certificate.
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