BayFest 2009, Oahu's premier summer family festival, celebrates 20 years of music and magic, August 14-16, 2009 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii located on the Mokapu Peninsula on Kaneohe Bay, Windward Oahu.
Festival History
Originally called the "Windward Family Festival" in 1990, BayFest Hawaii began as a community relations event to thank the military for their service, as well as to welcome the local community onto the installation to learn about the lifestyle of being a United States Marine. The first festival featured military static displays, carnival rides and the main attraction, The Mamas & The Papas.
Throughout the years, the local and military communities have come together to celebrate this summer holiday. In 1992, the Windward Family Festival was renamed to BayFest due to the many festival activities that focused on ocean sports in Kaneohe Bay. The number of water activities has since lessened, but the name of BayFest remains a constant over the years.
Over the years nationally-recognized bands have highlighted the billboard including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alan Jackson and Three Doors Down.
Island Lifestyle Expo
A trip to BayFest starts with a stroll through the Island Lifestyle Expo where you can sample new products, play games for prizes, collect interesting giveaways and learn about the hottest new things on the market. Over forty businesses and organizations will display their wares, demonstrate gadgets, and promote their latest and greatest products. The Island Lifestyle Expo is located inside Hangar 101 and is open from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday evening, and noon to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Festival Highlights
Continuing from its early days, BayFest still remains a fixture on the calendars of the windward community with those of all ages. Approximately half of all visitors to BayFest do not have a direct affiliation with the military.
Military static equipment displays including Marine Corps tanks and Navy helicopters, various planes, communication devices and various weapons continue to be highlights of the festival.
Building on past successes, BayFest 2009 will also feature nightly Grucci fireworks, EK Fernandez carnival rides, Coconut Island boat rides, sports, contests, family entertainment and lots of food.
Limited edition BayFest logo wear will be on sale at the MCCS Retail Tent, along with other essentials you may have forgotten (like sunglasses to protect your eyes). Original memorabilia from the artists will also be on hand.
2009 Headline Act - The Black Eyed Peas
Building community relations and honoring Hawaii's military personnel continues to be at the heart of BayFest as Marine Corps Base Hawaii commemorates the 20th anniversary with the announcement of its biggest headline act in history - The Black Eyed Peas, performing live on the JN Automotive Main Stage, Saturday, August 15, at 8:30 p.m.
The Black Eyed Peas have transcended their hip-hop roots and become a global phenomenon. The Grammy-winning quartet comprised of will.i.am, Fergie, apl.de.ap and Taboo has released five studio albums featuring such hits as Let's Get It Started and Don't Phunk with My Heart. Their June 9, 2009 release, The E.N.D. features Boom Boom Pow, the group's first song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
If You Go
General grounds admission is $5; children five years and under are free. Gates open at 5 p.m. on August 14 and noon on August 15-16. Tickets for the Black Eyed Peas concert are on sale through Ticketmaster and at www.bayfesthawaii.com. They are expected to sell out. Tickets purchased in advance are $45. Any tickets still available will cost $55 at the gate.
BayFest is open to the general public and organized by Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), a Department of Defense quality of life program that supports the morale, welfare and recreation of Hawaii's Marines, Sailors, and their families. For more information, call the BayFest hotline at 254-7679 or visit their website at www.bayfesthawaii.com.
