Kapolei Lights Up On Saturday

Kapolei will light up this Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. for the city’s 12th annual Kapolei City Lights.

The event includes an electric light parade, which will feature 35 floats and vehicles, marching bands and special guests. The parade will begin at Kealanai Street and travel toward Uluohia Street. Following the march, a party takes over the street for the rest of the evening. Various food trucks and live entertainment will be present.

There also will be plenty of activities just for the keiki. At the Santa Village, keiki can play free games, as well as enjoy a visit with Santa. Winning artwork from a keiki art contest and decorated Christmas trees also will be on display at Kapolei Hale.

And, of course, Kapolei City Lights will include the lighting of a 40-foot Christmas tree by Mayor Peter Carlisle. For even more lights, stick around for the fireworks display.

Kapolei City Lights is presented by the city and various community organizations, including the Friends of Kapolei Hale, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to organizing programs and events that emphasize cultural, educational, social and athletic events for West Oahu families. Other events that Friends of Kapolei Hale hosts throughout the year include environmental awareness programs and community volunteering projects aimed at keiki.

In partnership with the city, the group launched Kapolei City Lights in 2000.

“The first year, a couple hundred residents watched the parade,” said Maeda Timson, Kapolei City Lights chairwoman and vice president of Friends of Kapolei Hale. “Last year an estimated 5,000 people enjoyed the parade and street fair festivities.

“The community loves this annual event, and we are thrilled to be able to bring joy to everyone, especially our West Oahu keiki and their families,” added Timson. “The holiday spirit comes alive and delights keiki of all ages, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

Kapolei City Lights is the group’s signature event, but it also hosts events for other holidays, including Easter and Halloween.

“We are proud to be part of the West Oahu community and look forward to continuing to provide our keiki and their families safe and healthy programs,” said Timson.

The decorated trees and coloring contest entries will be on display throughout the month.

For more information about the event, call Lee at 295-7329.