On Sunday, August 17, Santa Cruz celebrates aloha spirit with the 16^th annual Aloha Outrigger Races and Polynesian Festival at the Santa Cruz Wharf.

Outrigger races, designed for first-time paddlers, start at 9 a.m. The festival, featuring dance, Polynesian culture and crafts, takes place 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. This year’s featured headliner is Grammy award winner JOHN CRUZ praised for his songwriting and capturing fans such as Jack Johnson, Jackson Browne and Jimmy Buffet. Other entertainers include the musical guests include Kalae “Bobo” Miles and Marie Victor with the Victor O’Hana Band.

For more information, call (831) 420-5273 or visit www.santacruzwharf.com.

Calendar Listing:

16^th annual Aloha Outrigger Races and Polynesian Festival Date:

Sunday, August 17, 2008

9 a.m.: Outrigger Canoe Races

11 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Polynesian Festival

Location:  Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA

Contact:  (831) 420-5273, www.santacruzwharf.com

Sponsors: Sponsored by Pu Pu O’Hawaii Outrigger Club, the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department, the Santa Cruz Wharf Association, O’Neill, the Northern California Outrigger Association, KPIG 107.5 and Metro Santa Cruz.