Annual 4th of July Ho`olaule`a, Sat, July 1 at Na`alehu Ball Park. The parade down the main street of Na`alehu starts at 10am with horse riders, classic cars, a marching band and more. The Ho`olaule`a runs from 11am-7:30pm at the park. Enjoy performances of hula and music including Kurt Delacruz with KAPA’s Kahikina as MC. Cruise more than 35 vendor booths selling art, jewelry, t-shirts, koa wood, plants, Texas BBQ, cotton candy, poke, hamburgers and more. A keiki carnival features pony rides, greased pig contest, sack races, a jumping castle and story telling. Buy a $2 festival button and be entered to win a Tangi tenor `ukulele or buy scrip to win a new Dell computer. Free Keiki ID and Kupuna Bingo will be in the Na`alehu Community Center from 12-4pm. A youth dance at the Center will run from 5pm-8pm. Pick up parent consent form for the dance at Hana Hou Restaurant. 929-9717.

Ka`u Ho`olaule`a & Parade, Sat, July 1. A parade will begin at 10 a.m. through the middle of Na`alehu along Hwy 11. Ka`u Preservation will be the parade grand marshals. Participants will include summer fun groups, horse riders, a Corvette club, color guard, fire trucks, community groups and more. Festivities at Na`alehu Park will begin at 11 a.m. with booths selling ono food such as burgers, teri burgers, hot dogs, poke, fish fry, smoke chicken plates, cotton candy, popcorn, caramel corn, and spicy thai beef. Booths will be selling crafts, plants and goods, giving massages and handing out community information. Music in the park starts at 11 a.m. with Bula Kahihiwai & JJ Hula Halau, Just Us. Keoki Kahumoku, Sonny Ramos, Keawe Trio, Kurt dela Cruz's Basic Human Tones and Ka`u. lA keiki carnival will include a water slide, pony rides, watermelon eating contest, sack races, jumping castle, dunking booth, art contest, games, prizes and story telling. From noon to 4 p.m., there will be free senior bingo with prizes in the Na`alehu Clubhouse and a dance from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with dance contests, prizes and snacks. Buy Ho`olaule`a buttons and T-Shirts to be entered in the lucky number drawing. For more information or to make a donation, call Judy Gardener at 443-1193.

Ka`u Riding & Roping AssociationÕs 28th Rodeo, Sat & Sun, July 1 & 2, show starting at 12 p.m., slack-roping at 8 a.m. Over 300 contestants will come from around the island to compete in adult and keiki events. The concession will sell rodeo T-shirts, chicken adobo, roast pork, hot dogs, and chili and rice. Na`alehu arena located behind Na`alehu park. Tickets are $6 at the gate. 929-8079.

Ho`olau (To Leaf Out), an exhibit of silk paintings & textile prints by Marilyn Hiestand & Dina Kageler. Daily, July 3 - July 16, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Free (Park entrance fees apply). 967-7565 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

The Annual Volcano parade starts at 9 a.m. July 4 at the Volcano Post Office and travels to Cooper Center on Wright Road. The Hawai`i County Band will lead the parade, followed by Volcano School of Arts and Science, the National Park mounted patrol, antique cars, jugglers, a Zoochoo Train carrying children and many more participants. At Cooper Center parade goers will find a bounty of food, crafts and games for the kids. Hula dancing and music as well as actors in an upcoming play will perform. The parade goes on, rain or shine. Call Betsy Miller at 967-7209.

Bull Riding Blowout, Tue, July 4, gates open at 10 a.m., show begins at 12 p.m. at the Na`alehu arena located behind Na`alehu Park. Presented by the South Point Buckers. Bull riders from the mainland, Maui and Big Island will compete for $8000. Hana Hou will sell their ono food at the concession. Tickets are $7 presell, $10 at the gate. Free for ages under 7. Buy tickets at The Land Office in Na`alehu and at the Ka`u BuckersÕ booth at the Ka`u Ho`olaule`a on July 1. The Buckers will also sell t-shirts, stickers, jackets and other merchandise at the booth. For more information, call Damien Flores at 929-9719.

Fourth of July ÒAll-AmericanÓ Buffet & Bingo, Tue, July 4, 3 - 8 p.m. Crater Rim Cafe at Kilauea Military Camp in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Celebrate Independence Day with a delicious buffet. $11/adult; $6/child (6-11 yrs.) Bingo fun is from 8 - 9 p.m. All adult dining guests receive free three bingo cards. Grand prize is a $50 KMC certificate. Park entrance fees may apply. 967-8370.

A Day of Creativity Workshops, Fri, July 7. Professional artists Sherry Crocker, Malia Rideout, Joyce Monsky and Amber Tallent will meet with community members for a summer day of creating. Each session is 90 min. First is Block Printing (9-10:30), followed by Watercolor (10:30-12), Creating with Tie Dye (1-2:30), and Edible Art (2:30-4). Discovery Harbour Clubhouse on Kahiki St. Sessions are $12 each (most materials included) and are intergenerational for ages 9 to adult. Bring a T-shirt or piece of cloth for Tie Dye and Block Printing. Each class is limited to 12 participants. Sponsored by Ka`u School of the Arts. Call Robert Domingos 929-7544 to reserve a spot.

Bye Bye Birdie, the musical, will be presented by Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network (KDEN), Kilauea Military Camp (KMC) Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on July 7 -22, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30p.m. Thirty-five talented cast members are coming from all over East Hawaii to participate in this community project, directed by Suzi Bond. Park entrance fees apply to Sunday performances. Tickets are $12 general, $10 seniors and students and $8 for children under 12 and will be available at Kilauea General Store, Kea`au Natural Foods, CD Wizard and the Most Irresistible Shop in downtown Hilo. For reservations or information call 982-7344.

Let's Make Baskets with Volcano artist Pam Barton, Sat, July 8, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Spend the day learning a number of simple techniques that one can do at home. Each person will take home a completed basket. This class is designed for beginners and experienced basket weavers. Volcano Garden Arts in Volcano Village. Limited enrollment. For information call 967-7261. www.volcanogardenarts.com.

The Kamaoa Garden will host a garden tour on Sat, July 8, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bring cameras, sun-lotion and picnic and join the staff for an educational tour of Hawaiian endangered plants. Call Diane Nelson at 929-8525 or 936-6141.