Fall Fest on the Westside this Weekend

Not My First Rodeo

Fall is here, and with it, a three-day feel-good celebration on the island’s Westside, welcoming the season that brings many family holidays.

The Fall Fest kicks off Oct. 24, with the “Rotary Roundup” at the traditional Wrangler’s Restaurant, in the heart of Waimea Town.

Local band Not My First Rodeo will light up the restaurant’s Saddle Room, with country music during happy hour, from 4 to 6 p.m. The band’s performance will be followed by dinner and social activities. Tickets are available at 482-0036.

On Oct. 25, the Festival of Stars & Flavors will keep the celebrations going in Waimea Town. From noon to 5 p.m., the C.B. Hoffgard Park, in front of the First Hawaiian Bank, will be the stage of a musical event highlighting original songs based on significant events and places linked to and honoring King Kaumuali‘i, Kaua‘i’s last king.

“Na Mele o Kaumuali‘i” will start with traditional Hawaiian protocol, or conch blowing, announcing King Kaumuali‘i and Queen Kehaikaaulou.

During this festival, there will be food and local crafters available, including the prized Ni‘ihau shell lei.

Also on Oct. 25, the “Haunted Neon Nights” color/run/walk will take place, with check-in starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Mana. Visit www.active.com for more information and to register.

The last day of the celebrations, Oct. 26, will bring the “Fall Fest Family Day” to Waimea Canyon Park for a day full of fun and family activities starting at 11 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m.

There will be carnival rides for the keiki, water slides, jumper houses and other attractions. Entertainment will last all day, with Waimea youth groups sponsoring food booths to keep the crowd well fed. The keiki will be happy to go home with a free pumpkin, just in time for Halloween.

And yes, there will be a kickball tournament.

Contact Thomas Nizo, of the West Kaua‘i Business and Professional Association, at waimeatheater1@hotmail.com for more information.