Kailua Town Party Revving Up

The annual “I Love Kailua” town party is less than three weeks away, but the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle and its team of volunteers already have assembled an impressive list of restaurants, merchants and musicians for the April 22 celebration.

It will be the party’s 20th year, as the LKOC observes its 65th year of keeping Kailua green. Proceeds from “I Love Kailua” will support the group’s ongoing community projects. Event sponsors are Kaneohe Ranch and the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation.

Kailua Road from Hahani Street to Kuulei Road will be closed off that day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the event itself will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to walk to the block party, take a bike or TheBus. Parking, however, is available on three floors of the parking structure by Longs Drugs.

The event is funded through the sale of commemorative buttons, which can be purchased for $3 at the party or in advance at locations around Kailua including Long’s, Hardware Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bank. The public needs the button to purchase food. “I Love Kailua” T-shirts also will be on sale, but they usually sell out early.

The festival’s most popular feature is its Taste of Kailua with more than two dozen restaurants and shops dishing out tasty samples. Also planned are more than 50 booths selling plants, flowers, produce, handmade crafts and original art by local artists.

The Pacific Fleet Band, Puamana and Pattye’s Hula Halau will entertain the crowds, and keiki can enjoy rides and activities, courtesy of Kama’aina Kids. Community and health exhibits round out the day, including health screenings from Castle Medical Center.

To offer help, email connorsce@yahoo.com or call Amy Hammond at 234-0404.