Local businesses, live music inspired from Polynesian culture, inflatable bounce houses, a mechanical bull, and a firework show, took place on the grounds of the Hukilau Marketplace in celebration of American Independence Day. BYU-Hawaii students and alumnus said they liked how the event was free and made their 4th of July fun and exciting.
The fair
Several local businesses such as Tita's Grill, set up tents and sold a variety of meals including kalua pork, New Zealand sausage, and teriyaki burgers. Families gathered under tents and children excitedly jumped and slid on inflatable bounce houses.
A few patrons of the fair commented on the food available. Eric Sauer, an alumnus from Washington State, said, “The food was nice and priced fairly.” Vendors sold food at prices ranging from $6 to $10.
Svetlana Sauer, an alumna from Utah and Eric Sauer's spouse, said, “The food was great. There were some food stands we wanted to try, but it seemed like they started setting up later than everyone else and weren't ready. We ended up just having Tita's Grill which never disappoints. The only money we really spent was just on food, and it was right on par with what we were expecting, price wise.”
Kris Krisanalome, a senior from Thailand studying music, said he thought the food offered by the vendors was a little too expensive for him, but the variety was great for people to try.
Eric Sauer said, “I loved the fair. Lots of activities for all ages, great atmosphere for everyone. I loved how there were carnival games and especially the free mechanical bull. The live performances were even better than expected.”
A highlight for the Sauers was free admission to the fair. They mentioned it was really accessible for people to walk in and enjoy with their families. They said they also liked how the inflatables for children were also free.
With families in mind, Svetlana Sauer said, “I'd definitely recommend it for families. There honestly wasn't a ton to do for adults, but it was a really laid back, clean, and relaxed environment where you can sit down, listen to music, and eat yummy food.”
Franky Ho, a senior from Hong Kong studying business management, said she liked how the fair was free and thought the event was mainly for children and families.
Local live bands played music inspired from the Polynesian culture. The Sauers said they enjoyed all the performances and thought they were fantastic. They found it a fun surprise seeing the Tonga Sisters perform.
Commenting on the relaxing environment, Svetlana Sauer said, “We had a really great time. It was actually a lot better than I think both of us expected.”
In talking about improving the fair and bringing in more variety, Svetlana Sauer said, “It would've been fun to see some more vendors set up like they have at some fairs where people can display and sell art, jewelry, etc. It's always fun to walk around and see those booths.”
Firework show
Crowds, with food and drink at hand, buzzed with anticipation for the firework show. They gathered and waited on fairgrounds, adjoining parking lots, and the PCC. At 9:00pm, the show commenced with a display of light and bright colors. Children, sitting on parent’s shoulders, looked in awe as the vibrant show flashed and sparkled before their eyes.
International students who attended the event shared their perspectives on American Independence Day. Sesimani Dulaki, a freshman from Fiji studying HTM, said, “Independence Day is an amazing time that brings families together not only to celebrate freedom, but to connect with one another as equal individuals celebrating the same cause. Being from Fiji, the celebrations reminds me of Fiji Independence Day which is celebrated on the 10th of October.”
According to Dulaki, Fijians also have fireworks and the day is mostly spent with family either at the beach or attending barbecues.
Seeing the 4th of July as especially dear to Americans, Timmy Mocodompis a freshman from Indonesia studying HTM, said, “I think American Independence Day is really great. Even though I’m not from here, I can see American people treat it as a special day.”
Andino Bima Mahreza, also a freshman from Indonesia majoring in HTM, said, “This was my first American Independence Day, so I think yesterday was fun.”
Firework shows are the highlight of the holiday, according to Dulaki. “I loved the fireworks because we don’t have big ones like these in Fiji. The fireworks add color and excitement to the celebration.”
Commenting on the show, Mahreza thought there should be more fireworks for a longer period of time to improve the show and for people to enjoy it more. However, he said he still felt the show was exciting and fun.
Looking at things in a bigger picture, Mocodompis said, “I think it was awesome.” To him, the fireworks were almost like a symbol of freedom. He explained in Indonesia, they celebrate Independence Day with competitions and family reunions lasting until midnight.
On explaining the competitions held on Indonesian Independence Day, Mahreza said, “In Indonesia, we celebrate Independence Day in a different way compared to the USA. We have a lot of competition. Each street in Indonesia would have competitions for children ages 3 and up to 50 years-old and above. Usually, the competitions are catching eel, eating fruit with a straw, eating krupuk (traditional chips), and climbing high bamboo.”
Writer: Bruno Maynez