Hawaii Tribune-Herald By KATIE YOUNG YAMANAKA Special to the Tribune-Herald The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate and the Big Island is never short on festivities. This year, revelers can look forward to parades, a cook-off, arts and crafts, live music, hula and more, happening at venues all across the island. “No matter what area you’re in, there’s something for everyone,” says Culture and Education Office administrator Roxcie Waltjen. “That’s what makes the Big Island special. It’s a time to celebrate our life here. We are all Americans. It celebrates freedom and the people who have served our country.” On the east side, the County of Hawaii, in partnership with Destination Hilo, Hawaii Explosives, the Hilo Jaycees, Downtown Improvement Association and the state of Hawaii presents Hilo Bay Blast 2017. “Every year there’s always something new,” Waltjen says. “We try to make it a little better than the year before, like getting more police-manned crosswalks, and this year the cook-off will be barbecue burgers. We’re also moving the kupuna viewing station by Isles, so the vans can drop them off right there and they don’t have to walk across the bridge to Coconut Island.” The day begins at 7 a.m. with the Salute to Our Veterans Hilo Bay 5K Run/Walk at Lili‘uokalani Gardens. In recognition of all those in uniform, the walk is sponsored by the Veterans CELEBRATING See JULY FOURTH Page 9
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