MAKAWAO – On Friday, Jan. 20, from 6 to 9 p.m., the town of Makawao will continue its series of monthly “Friday Parties” held on the third Friday of each month.

January’s party will have the theme of “Makawao Goes Surfing” and feature an ocean-theme, including life-sized whale tails on display from Whale Trust, a “dry-land” surf clinic provided by The Butterfly Effect and The Eazy playing their surf-inspired tunes at center stage.

Friday’s event will celebrate the many Upcountry residents and businesses that support water sports and rely on the ocean for sustenance, recreation and cultural importance. The celebration includes music, a variety of foods, activities and informational booths from local non-profits.

The “Makawao Town Friday Party” monthly event series offers a unique opportunity for the Maui public to kickoff the weekend in leisurely exploration of historic Makawao, connect and mingle with the many merchants, artists and neighbors in the area, and to enjoy a festive outdoor event in the quaint atmosphere the town provides.

In addition to appealing to the local community, the town party is an excellent opportunity for Maui’s visitors to explore Makawao’s one-of-a-kind town center.

A core team of Makawao merchants comes together to coordinate this event each month, and numerous significant donations of time, materials and space have been provided to create outdoor areas for participants to mix, mingle and enjoy the festivities.

Parking is available in the Makawao Base Yard (Across from St. Joseph’s Church), Makawao Hongwanji, two parking lots on Brewer Road, Makawao Municipal Parking Lot on Makawao Avenue near the library and Komoda Store parking lot.

For information, visit www.facebook.com/makawao or www.twitter.com/makawaotown.