KANE'OHE — Janis Chun grew up in Kane'ohe when the streets weren't paved and nobody locked their doors.

And Windward Mall didn't exist.

Her father, Evans Yim, who founded the Kaneohe Business Group in 1970, would call Kane'ohe "God's country," she said.

"The weather is good, the people are friendly," Chun said. "Back then, everybody knew everybody and that was nice. It was one big 'ohana."

This pride in her hometown is why Chun volunteers every year to help with the annual Windward Ho'olaule'a, now in its seventh year.

Chun, a Kane'ohe-based real estate agent, has been one of the co-chairs for the past three years.

The event — which will feature entertainment, crafts and food booths — will be held Sept. 22 on the Windward Community College campus.

This year's ho'olaule'a, coordinated by WCC and the Kaneohe Business Group, is part of Celebrate Kane'ohe, a seven-month-long series of events celebrating the history, the heritage and the people of the area.

Event organizers expect around 20,000 people to attend the ho'olaule'a.

While showcasing Kane'ohe-based businesses and artists, the event also gives WCC the opportunity to show off its own facilities, students, faculty and programs.

People can watch two starry shows in the college's Imaginarium, which opened in 2001.

The Lanihuli Observatory, which will be dedicated in October, will be open for tours. It features a 16-inch optical telescope under its dome.

"Some people don't even know we're here," said Bonnie Beatson, marketing coordinator for the college and WCC alumni. "This is a chance for people to come and see the beauty of our campus and get to know our faculty here."

The newest addition to the annual ho'olaule'a is a silent auction, which will feature various items, ranging from a University of Hawai'i football autographed by head coach June Jones to an all-day excursion to Coconut Island in Kane'ohe Bay.

In addition, WCC faculty are contributing to the silent auction, offering works of art and even tennis lessons to the highest bidder.

Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the college's Advancement Fund, which provides money for scholarships, faculty development and last-minute, unforeseen expenses.

The entertainment will include Na Hoku Hanohano winners Kaukahi, Na Kama, Holunape and Kapena.

Most of the bands and halau performing have Kane'ohe ties.

That was important to the event organizers, who hope people see how much Windward communities have to offer.

"I love it here," said Beatson, who has lived in Ha'iku for 15 years. "It's laid-back, green, lush, cooler. I've lived all over. This is the best."

Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.