The free festival, featuring dance, Polynesian culture and crafts, takes place 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. This year’s featured performer is Hawaiian singer-songwriter Willie K, (www.williek.com). The Maui native has played with and/or opened for such musical giants as B.B. King, Santana, Willie Nelson, Prince, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Bonnie Rait, Jackson Browne and Jimmy Buffett, among others. Other musical guests at the Santa Cruz festival include the Faith Ako and Steven Espaniola and the Halau Na Wai Ola dancers.
At 9:00 a.m. the action starts in the water, with a series of outrigger canoe races, designed for first-time paddlers. Check-in is at 8:00 a.m. and awards at approximately 1:30 p.m.
“The purpose of the Aloha Festival is to raise awareness, educate our community and celebrate the unique history and culture of the Polynesian people,” said Lisa McGinnis of the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department. “We expect a great turnout!”
Sponsors include: Pu Pu O’Hawaii Outrigger Club, the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department, O’Neill, the Northern California Outrigger Association, KPIG 107.5 and Santa Cruz Weekly. For more information, call 831-420-5273 or visit www.santacruzwharf.com.
Cost: FREE