Big Island’s Weekend: Labor Day Play

Labor Day’s long weekend is a luxury to some. Enjoy the time off and experience everything this island has to offer.

To Laugh

Local. Female. Comedian. Put those words together and you’ve got a rare night of a little raunchy, politically correct-less, comedic fun.

Volcano Art Center, photo by Kristin Hashimoto

For the easily offended, stay away. For those who can laugh at life and themselves, doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

Show begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday September 1. Tickets are $10.

For more information visit www.volcanoartcenter.org. The site is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road.

Labor Day Rodeo

Watch our island’s cowboys ride bulls and broncs, rope, mug and barrel race in Waimea this Saturday and Sunday.

Admission is $5 pre-sale and $6 at the gate. The event gets started at 12 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m. at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena.

Tickets are available at the Parker Ranch Store; keiki 10 years of age and younger get in to the event for free. Food and other goods will be on sale at the site. For more information visit www.parkerranch.com.

Queen Lili’uokalani Canoe Races

This exciting long distance canoe race spans three days and attracts competitors from all over the world.

From September 1 to September 3, men, women and adolescents will compete in grueling treks across the Kona Coast. There will be single and double hulled canoe racing as well as stand-up paddle boarding.

For more detailed event information view the coverage on www.bigislandnow.com. Races begin early around 7:30 a.m., and parking can be a challenge for this popular race. Go early and save yourself the headache later.

View the www.kaiopua.org website for more information. If you’re a competitor, shuttle service is available.

The race site is at the Kamakahonu Beach at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel located at, 75-5660 Palani Road in Kailua-Kona.

Slack Key Festival

On Sunday, talented musicians will perform at the annual slack key guitar festival at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. Meander into the hotel’s convention center from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and relax into the music.

Admission is free and food and drink will be available for purchase at the event. The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa is located at 78-128 Ehukai Street in Kailua-Kona.

Up-Country Fair

Go old school this Labor Day Monday, and enjoy a family friendly event complete with pony rides, ono grinds, face painting and more. Christ Church celebrates its 6th Annual up country fair.

The nostalgia begins at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Queen Emma Community Center at 81-1004 Konawaena School Road in Kealakekua.

Purchase scripts to play games and trade-in for keepsakes and yummy things.

This long weekend, there’s more than enough time to mow the lawn, do the grocery shopping, make appearances at those necessary family functions, and still get away for some “you” time.