The 2012 Kinser Festival kicks off Saturday for a two-day run, and Mother Nature’s being cooperative, too.

The festival runs both days 2 p.m. ~ 10 p.m., with a variety of booths featuring cultural foods, games, Kiddie Land, giveaways for the kids, sporting events, a pie eating contest and live entertainment. MCCS Entertainment is again in bringing exciting acts to this year’s Kinser Festival with everything from rock to eisa.

Saturday begins with a clown performance, eisa dancers, salsa music and country jams. Kotora the clown will start things off at 4:30 p.m. followed by Eisa Crew CROWN. Then switch to dancing shoes as local Latin music band Kachimba takes the stage. Kachimba may be from Okinawa, but you’ll swear they have Cuban roots from the authentic salsa they produce on stage.
End the night with Mark Willis, a multi-platinum selling country music star with 8 top 10 hits to his name. Willis has become a staple in country music with a loyal fan following.

A much-anticipated Pie Eating Contest gets everyone’s blood pressure up on Sunday. Watch contestants gorge themselves on blueberry pie. This contest is open to all DoD ID card holders 18 years or older. For complete rules, call 645-5837 or visit the MCCS Clubs & Restaurants Facebook page or mccsokinawa.com.

Check out Tamancyu Hiroto, a spectacular juggling show that mesmerizes both adults and children. Soul and R&B group Nu Reality will then take the stage to mellow things out before the headliner Saving Abel closes out the festival. This down-home Southern rock band made their mainstream debut in 2008. Having shared venues with rock giants like Nickleback, Hinder and Buckcherry, Saving Abel holds their own with their real-deal rock n’ roll music and Southern hospitality.

There will be shuttles from designated parking areas to the festival. No pets, outside alcohol, bottles, backpacks or coolers allowed. Taxi and daiko services will be available. The Kinser Festival is open to SOFA personnel and Japanese.

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