MEDIA RELEASE

Queens’ MarketPlace packs a lot of celebration into Independence Day, Monday, July 4 at Waikoloa Beach Resort. Free, day-long “Family Fourth” festivities take place 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. at the Coronation Pavilion and throughout the shopping center, concluding with a grand finale as the Air Force Band of the Pacific plays the prelude for a fireworks extravaganza at the Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens.

Proceeds from the day’s events will benefit the Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s Food Bank. A collection point for non-perishable food items and monetary donations will be available throughout the day, and script sales for the carnival games and activities will support the Food Basket’s efforts to feed Hawaii Island families.

“Queens’ MarketPlace is one of our community partners,” said Food Basket Executive Director Nani Lee, “And the reason we are still alive and running and have food is because the Food Basket has partners like this. It’s about how the community addresses a problem we have. In this case the new buzzword is ‘food insecurity.’”

According to Lee, many children can expect a hot meal at school, but may not be sure when the next meal will be served at home; seniors on fixed incomes face similar food insecurities.

The Food Basket has seen a 17 percent increase in the number of people they are serving and a decrease in the amount of food and donation dollars, creating a serious shortage. A “supplementary food program,” the Food Basket helps provide and distribute food through its partner programs such as soup kitchens and food pantries.

“One important message is — people who are food insecure are our friends, neighbors, families,” Lee said. “The Big Island is very generous … we care.”

“This is the third year that Queens’ MarketPlace has helped us,” Lee said. “From 11 a.m., they have a lot of fun, family things to do, and fireworks and the concert at the end of the day… So as you’re standing in line to ride the Zoo Choo train around, play a game or get a balloon from Balloon Monsoon, we hope you might reach into your pocket and make a contribution to the Food Basket.”

In addition, Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company will participate in the effort, giving a free can of their popular new Spam-flavored mac nuts with a $5 donation.

In the morning, “Balloon Monsoon” entertains with balloon twist art, creating animated cartoon characters for the keiki. After cotton candy, carnival games, popcorn, and more, the Zoo Choo train rides roll out, for a small fee donated to the Hawaii Food Basket. Non-stop family entertainment includes strolling magicians, live music by seven different bands throughout the day, carnival games and more.

And when the sun goes down, the sky lights up with Fourth of July fireworks, following a celebratory concert by the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific in the Waikoloa Bowl.

The Band and its primary performing ensemble “Hana Hou” perform a wide variety of music, including classic rock & roll, Grammy-winning country songs and Top 40 hits, as well as island favorites and American patriotic music. A highlight of the show will be the Band’s rousing medley of favorite patriotic songs for everyone to sing along.

Families are invited to come early, beat the crowd, enjoy the day and cap off the Family Fourth with a bang. Beach mats or chairs are welcome for open lawn seating, however coolers, alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted. Admission is free. For more information visit www.WaikoloaBeachResort.com or call 886-8822.

July 4 Schedule of Events at Queens’ MarketPlace

11 a.m. Arneleo the Magician
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Zoo Choo rides, Carnival games, Popcorn, cotton candy and balloon twist art by Balloon Monsoon
Noon Honokaa Alumni Band
12:45-2:45 p.m. The Great Barusky, Strolling Magic
1 p.m. Lorenzo’s Army
2 p.m. Hot Lava 808
3 p.m. Mystik Rhythmz
4 p.m. Ryan Hiraoka
5 p.m. I‘land Boiz. Waikoloa Bowl gates open
6-8:15 p.m. U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific, Waikoloa Bowl
8 p.m. FIREWORKS SHOW
8:30 p.m. Music by Full Circle

For more information, call 886-8822 or visit www.QueensMarketPlace.net