Blooming on Hawaii’s Garden Isle

Winter is an ideal time of year to visit the Garden Island. While most of the country is enduring the chilliness of winter, Kaua‘i is sizzling with some events and festivals ..... and here are some of them.

Leilani Rivera Bond’s 17th Annual Hula Hö‘ike on February 5 features Hawaiian music and dances by Hälau Hula ‘O Leilani and special guest artists.

The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i will hold its Eat Dessert First fundraiser on February 11 at the Courtyard by Marriott Kauai at Coconut Beach. The event features desserts from Kaua‘i chefs, fruit and cheese trays, a silent auction, prize drawings, and live island-style entertainment.

The cultural festival E Pili Kakou I Ho‘okahi Lahui from February 18 to 20 brings together accomplished Kumu Hula (instructors) and cultural specialists to teach workshops in all styles of hula and chanting, and share stories and spirituality behind the dance in a non-competitive and open environment. The festival also showcases arts and crafts, food, music, and entertainment unique to Hawai‘i.

Waimea Town Celebration on February 25 and 26 offers live top-line entertainment .... and crafts, games and product booths, along with a rodeo, softball, and three-man basketball tournament. Events on February 26 include a 10K run, canoe race, RC car race, ice cream eating contest, and ukulele competition.

The inaugural Garden Isle Tri-fest on March 12 and 23 features a variety of events at the Kaua'i Marriott Resort at Kalapaki Beach in Lihue Kaua'i.

A week of festivities honoring Prince Jonah Kühiö Kalaniana‘ole, one of Hawai‘i’s most beloved monarchs, takes place from March 19 to 26 in Po‘ipü.

For more information about top events in Hawaii take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Hawaii.

For information about Kaua‘i – Hawai‘i’s Island of Discovery – visit www.KauaiDiscovery.com

Mardi Gras in Fort Walton Beach

A little bit of New Orleans is coming to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, at its very own “Mardi Gras 2011” celebration on Saturday, February 12. Because it’s Valentine’s weekend, the theme this year will be “Love on the Island.” Sponsored by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and its annual sponsors, “Mardi Gras on the Island” is a full day of activities, starting with the Mardi Gras Parade on Okaloosa Island at 11am.

There will be beads, treats, and even more beads as the colorful floats make their way down Santa Rosa Blvd. Stick around after the parade and enjoy a festive Block Party sponsored by Helen Back on Amberjack Drive. There will be games for the kids, vendors with exotic items, and food galore.  It’s a family-friendly way to make a day of it!

Later that evening, the Chamber will host the Mardi Gras Ball at the Emerald Coast Conference Center from 8 pm to Midnight.  Come in costume or come in your favorite gown - this is the time to bring out your Mardi Gras finery, enjoy the sounds of the “Swingin’ Dick Tracys,” and sample food items provided by Chamber-member restaurants.  

“Mardi Gras 2011 – Love on the Island” is sponsored by the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, A to Z Security and Sound, the City of Fort Walton Beach, Cox, Cumulus Broadcasting, Emerald Coast Tourism Development Council, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Golden Corral-Fort Walton Beach, Helen Back, Image Printing and Digital Services, Northwest Florida Daily News, Qantum, ResortQuest, and White-Wilson Medical Center. 

For more information about top events in Florida take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Florida. 

For more information visit www.fwbchamber.com/mardigras.