Posted on: Monday, July 9, 2001
Party like Marines at BayFest
Advertiser Staff
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2001 BayFest Friday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Noon to 2 a.m. Sunday, Noon to midnight Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station Admission: Friday, $3 for adult active/retired military, $3.50 for civilians. Saturday and Sunday, $2.50 for active/retired military, $3 after 5 p.m. $3 for civilians. On all days, free for children under 3; $1.50 for 4 to 11. |
BayFest, one of the biggest military-sponsored public events of the year, is a gift from Marine Corps Base Hawai'i to the community.
The Kane'ohe base opens its gates annually for BayFest, billed as "the largest carnival-concert-contest festival on O'ahu's Windward side." This year's 12th annual event is Friday through Sunday.
"On the heels of Hawai'i Military Appreciation Week, where the civilian community embraced our Marines and sailors, BayFest allows us to open our doors to the community. It gives Marine Corps Base Hawai'i the opportunity to thank our neighbors for all of their contributions to the success of our base, the Marine Corps and the Navy," said Brig. Gen. R.E. Parker, commander of Marine Corps Base Hawai'i.
Organizers project that 30,000 visitors will attend the three-day festival, based on attendance figures from previous years. They are drawn by the concert with a Mainland headliner, E.K. Fernandez carnival rides and Shaka Sunday, a day of local music.
Attendees are also drawn by the tournaments and contests. This year, the BayFest 5K Run is Friday, a fishing tournament takes place Saturday and a bathtub regatta contest is Sunday.
"BayFest is really the only opportunity we have to invite the entire community of O'ahu aboard Marine Corps Base Hawai'i, said Jim Bocci, the Marine Corps Community Services marketing director. "It's our chance to open our doors as a good neighbor."
Concerts take place each day. On Friday, Forte, Disguyz and Xscape are featured. On Saturday, see Lo-Vibe, Natural Vibrations and headliner Sister Hazel, a popular alternative-rock band from Gainesville, Fla., with three CDs under its belt. Sunday, Koa'uka, Ten Feet, Ho'onu'a and Kalapana take the stage.
Friday's BayFest 5K Run gets under way at 4:30 p.m.
Saturday attractions: a fishing tournament, 7 a.m.; Ocean Concepts Children's Snorkeling Treasure Hunt, 1:30 p.m.; Europa Sports BodySearch 2001, a fitness competition, 4 p.m.; Strongman Competition, 5:30 p.m.; and Boxing Challenge, 6:30 p.m.
On Sunday, the bathtub regatta takes place at 3 p.m.
All concerts, a laser light show on all three nights, an Island Lifestyle Expo and Europa BodySearch Fitness Competition, the bathtub regatta, Boxing Challenge, new and classic car show, outrigger canoe rides, kayak rides and other entertainment are included with the cost of admission to the festival. Carnival rides, a dunk tank and Coconut Island boat rides come with an additional charge.
BayFest begins on Friday at 5 p.m. and continues until the next morning at 2 a.m., resumes on Saturday at noon and continues until 2 a.m., and runs Sunday from noon until midnight.
On Friday, admission is $3 for active-duty military and family members and retired military members; $3.50 for civilians. On Saturday, admission is $2.50 for active-duty military and family members and retired military members ($3 after 5 p.m.); $3 for civilians. On all days, admission is $1.50 for youths 4 to 11, and free for children under 3.
Advance tickets, $6, include one BayFest admission, three carnival rides and two Papa John's Pizza coupons. They are available at O'ahu Papa John's Pizza locations. For more information, go to www.bayfesthawaii.com, or call BayFest headquarters at 254-KBAY (5229).
