Over 20,000 Maui residents and visitors are expected to attend World Whale Day 2017 on Saturday, Feb. 18.

KIHEI – Pacific Whale Foundation presents World Whale Day Celebrations annually to raise awareness and inspire action to protect humpback whales and their ocean habitat. The festival includes World Whale Day and the Parade of Whales, set this year for Saturday, Feb. 18.

The Parade of Whales, a colorful and lively procession, will be held along South Kihei Road from 9 to 10 a.m., featuring costumed sea characters, marching bands and floats of all shapes and sizes. Prizes are awarded in several categories to participants.

World Whale Day 2017 is set for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Kalama Park. The popular event features something for everyone to enjoy, with live music, Keiki Carnival, food booths, Made on Maui Fair, Eco Alley, Whale Regatta and more.

Performances on the Kalama Park stage will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The schedule includes Haiku Hillbillys at 9:30 a.m., Manutea Nui E at 10:30 a.m., Derick Sebastian Band at 11 a.m., Darren Lee of “Burn’n Love” at 11:45 a.m., John Cruz at 12:30 p.m., Alto Reed of Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band at 1:30 p.m., Lily Meola at 2:15 p.m., Dr. Nat & Rio Ritmo at 3 p.m., Maoli at 4 p.m. and Eli Mac at 5 p.m.

Kids have a whale of a time at the Keiki Carnival featuring bouncy castles, crafts, games, face painting, cotton candy, shave ice and plenty of engaging activities for the young and young at heart. New for 2017: Maui Spider Jump (Hawaii’s only reverse bungee system) and the Lei Po’o Station – make your own unique lei po’o with materials and hands-on instruction provided by Manutea Nui E.

Entertainment on the Keiki Stage throughout the day will include Las Vegas magician and illusionist Seth Grabel, known worldwide for his mind-blowing performances on the blockbuster NBC series “America’s Got Talent,” where he stunned the judges and quickly became a fan favorite; music by the Banana Slug String Band; keiki hula and music by Manutea Nui E; and creative acrobatics by Maui Aerial Arts.

World Whale Day’s Eco Alley provides free event space to environmental non-profits, businesses and agencies working to protect Maui’s natural resources.

The Wild & Wonderful Whale Regatta is a fun-filled race featuring little rubber whales on a fast-moving watercourse. Sponsor one of these whales to win a free trip to Maui!

There is a $5 cash only entrance fee to attend World Whale Day 2017 at Kalama Park. Keiki 12 and under are free. Food and activities within the park require scrip, which will be available for purchase onsite. ATMs will be stationed adjacent to both park entrances.

No outside food or beverages are permitted; this is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

The following items are not allowed: posters, signs or banners; amplified speakers; video cameras; knives, firearms or weapons of any nature.

For more information, visit www.worldwhaleday.org or call (808) 249-8811, extension 1.