A youngster gets in the spirit at Campbell Park, where there will be music and games before the fireworks. Photo by Norm Bezane.

LAHAINA – A flag-draped Front Street will again take on a festive air on Wednesday, July 4, with the island’s only community fireworks display, music at the Lahaina Public Library lawn and Campbell Park, keiki games and an appearance by Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty.

Funds raised by the West Side Committee of the Maui Chamber of Commerce from restaurants, merchants, excursion companies, hotels, the county and individuals will continue the tradition of Lahaina fireworks again this year, said Pamela Tumpap, president of the Maui Chamber of Commerce.

“We have had an amazing outpouring of contributions from businesses and organizations throughout all of Maui to make the fireworks centerpiece of the celebration possible. This reflects the fact that people come to the celebration from all parts of the island,” Tumpap declared.

The chamber – the catalyst for the entire event – still needs contributions from businesses and the community to reach its fundraising goal and help establish a reserve fund to kick-start a similar campaign next year, Tumpap said. Contributions can be made at www.mauichamber.com.

Fourth of July revelers will be able to walk down Front Street (the road will be closed to vehicles during the celebration), purchase collectible Independence Day T-shirts from the chamber and hear music at two venues.

Slack key master George Kahumoku Jr. and the University of Hawaii Maui College Institute of Hawaiian Music, followed by the Maui Community Band, will perform beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the library lawn facing the harbor (see article on page 2).

Between 5 p.m. and the start of the fireworks, LahainaTown Action Committee will offer music and games across the street from the Pioneer Inn at Campbell Park.

Waiola Church, custodian of the park, will sell food, with proceeds going to keiki charities.

A contributor to the fireworks, LAC is also supplying funds to decorate Front Street, provide extra restroom facilities and post signs prohibiting parking on Front Street before the event.

Next door, The Wharf Cinema Center will hold its fourth annual Fourth of July Karaoke Contest (see page 2). Adult and children’s registration begins at 4 p.m.

Tumpap said the Maui Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting Fourth of July fireworks shows in Lahaina over the long term.

More than 60 different businesses and individuals have so far made contributions to the pyrotechnics display.

New major contributors include Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, Feast at Lele, Lahaina Fish Co., Lahaina Yacht Club, Napili Kai Beach Resort, Pioneer Inn, ABC Stores, Atlantis Submarines, First Hawaiian Bank and Maui Princess.

Whalers Village in Kaanapali will also honor the Fourth of July with entertainment.