The "Homegrown Celebration" is coordinated by WCC and the Kaneohe Business Group. Admission is free. This year, the ho'olaule'a is also part of the Celebrate Kane'ohe calendar of events.

"We're honoring the people and heritage of this community," said ho'olaule'a co-chair Janis Chun. "The day will showcase WCC's programs and new facilities, local businesses, community groups and entertainers with ties to this side of the island."

The event also offers people a chance to see some of the new educational opportunities at WCC — from the biotech medicinal garden to the new Lanihuli Observatory to the latest show in Gallery 'Iolani and other art programs.

Among the entertainers are Kaukahi, winner of four Hokus, including 2007 Group of the Year; Na Kama, winner of a 2007 Hoku for Hawaiian language performance; Holunape, 2006 Group of the Year; and perennial favorite Kapena. The schedule also includes WCC's Ron Loo and Pila Nahenahe, Hawai'i Loa, the Castle Jazz Band, Kupa'aina and several Windward halau. New this year is a silent auction with proceeds going to benefit WCC programs and student scholarships. Any business interested in donating a product or service can call silent auction co-chair Karen Quimoyog at 235-7377 or e-mail kquimoyo@hawaii.edu.

Among the items up for bid so far are two autographed footballs from University of Hawai'i coach June Jones; an all-day boating excursion with a tour of Coconut Island and Kane'ohe Bay; hotel certificates to the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele or Manele Bay, the Sheraton-Waikiki, Turtle Bay and Schrader's Windward Country Inn; theater and restaurant certificates; family outings to the Honolulu Zoo and Kualoa Ranch; rounds of golf; women's jewelry and clothing; and an entire Dickens village set of collectibles.

"We're very grateful for the tremendous community support of this event," said WCC Chancellor Angela Meixell. "The college has new facilities and a tremendous amount of talent to share. The ho'olaule'a gets us all working together to benefit future students and the Windward side."

The college's Imaginarium, created by WCC professor and Teacher in Space candidate Joe Ciotti, will show "Flights of Fancy" and take visitors on an imaginary trip through the solar system. Showtimes are 10, 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m. at $2 per person. In the evening, the show will be "Search for Life in the Universe" at 7 p.m. Tickets will range from $3 for children 12 and under to $5 for adults. Tickets will be available at the Imaginarium box office or in advance by calling 235-7433.

WCC's Gallery 'Iolani will also be open that day with a new show featuring the work of WCC art professor Paul Nash and his wife, Kapi'olani Community College art professor Noreen Naughton.

There is still time for crafters or food vendors to sign up for a booth. Go to www.wcc.hawaii.edu/hoolaulea and download an application or call Sheri Tamamoto (crafts) at 754-4211, stamamoto@gmail.com or Gerrene Yukuno (food) at 358-2685, gyukuno@hawaii.rr.com.