White Beach Festival chock full of races, games, food

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Local entertainment like Tenryu Taiko has always been the trademark of Navy MWR festivals.

Jinxed by weather that’s cancelled White Beach Festivals in past years, Navy MWR is smiling at the mid-70’s temperatures and sunshine forecast for this weekend’s internationally oriented event that features a plethora of entertainment, a variety of cuisines and the ever-popular Dragon Boat races and a Riff Raft Regatta.

Dragon Boat Races are always popular.

Organizers welcome everyone to the two-day event on Saturday and Sunday that opens at 11 a.m., Saturday, with festivities winding down by 9 p.m. On Sunday, the hours are the same. The White Beach Festival is open to everyone, island-wide, both SOFA status personnel and local nationals. While the public is invited, security officials advise visitors not to bring backpacks, large handbags or diaper bags. Those items will draw scrutiny from organizers and security personnel.

Visitors are asked to bring photo identification such as a passport or driver’s license for entry. Bags will be subject to search, and ice chests or beverage coolers, pets, skateboards and heeleys will not be allowed at the festival.

Entertainment will be nearly non-stop through the weekend as the festival planners want visitors to have a good time. Navy MWR assures everyone that there’s plenty to do during the festival, including banana boat rides, kayak races, riff raft regatta, one-pitch softball, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, kiddyland, and plenty of activities for families and children, tons of food, and games.

Dance groups on stage will be a big part of the festival.

Foods cover the world. There are vendor booths offering a variety of foods from countries throughout Asia, as well as American and South American entrees.

The line of entertainers include Zamami Brothers, Clint Walker Band, Tenryu Taiko, Oki-glee Hip Hop Dance, Ballet Folklorico Mexico dance group and Halau Hui Nohona Aloha Hawaiian dance on Saturday, and headliner David Ralston on Sunday. Also on stage Sunday will be the Filipino dance group Mabuhay Dancers, Ryukyu Buyo (Okinawan dance), Full Circle Band, T-Da Hip Hop and belly dancers Turva.

In short, the Navy MWR promises fun filled days for the whole family!