THROUGH MAY 26

WESTERN WEEK

Honoka'a Western Week kicked off yesterday in Hawai'i and continues through May 26, culminating in the Hawaii Saddle Club's Memorial Day Weekend Rodeo. There's a quilt exhibit and sale at the North Hawaii Education and Research Center Wednesday, a talent show at Honoka'a High School 7 p.m. Thursday ($5 at the door), the Western Week Block Party, 5-11 p.m. Friday on Mamane Street in front of the Botelho Building next to Hotel Honoka'a featuring music, dancing, a "Saloon Girl" contest and live charity auction, and on Saturday and Sunday, rodeo events, starting with eliminations from noon until dark Saturday and competition from noon until dark Sunday at the Honoka'a Arena ($7 admission). The movie "Holo Holo Paniolo" will play free at the Honoka'a People's Theater at 5 p.m. Saturday and there's a country Dance at Tex Drive In at 8 p.m. Saturday. Information: 808-933-9772, or specifically about the rodeo, 808-775-9057.

JUNE 13-15

DUCT TAPE FEST

Only in America: The 5th annual Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival taking over Avon, Ohio, June 13-15 will have participants realizing their wildest artistic fantasies in ... yes, that it-can-do-anything tool, duct tape. Not at all surprisingly, Avon, 25 minutes west of Cleveland, is home to the Duck brand duct tape company. In addition to a competition and exhibit of duct tape sculptures and fashions (the dragon pictured here is made from Duck brand's more than 20 duct tape colors), there will be a parade, rides, food, games, live entertainment and vendor booths. And there will be a treasure hunt in keeping with this year's pirate theme. Information: www.avonDuctTapeFestival.com.

JUNE 30

HAPPY STATE BIRTHDAY, ALASKA!

On June 30, Alaska begins a summer-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Senate's approval of its admittance to the union as a state, back in 1958. Fairbanks plans a weeklong festival, featuring concerts by Elton John and Trace Adkins and a citywide barbecue starting May 23 (www.explorefairbanks.com). Juneau, the capital city, will host a performance by the Juneau Symphony of "The Alaska Symphony" on June 14, plus other events (www.traveljuneau.com). Anchorage (www.anchorage.net/50) is planning a "We're in!" weekend June 28-30 with live concerts, theatrical productions, an air show and festival. Alaska officially became the 49th State on Jan. 3, 1959. Other cities, including Haines and Valdez, will celebrate over the Fourth of July weekend (www.haines.ak.us or www.valdezalaska.org). General Alaska travel information and statehood anniversary details: www.travelalaska.com.