FIREKNIFE CHAMPIONSHIPS SET TO GO

The 21st Annual World Fireknife Championships will light up the night from May 8-11 at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC). Competitors from across the globe are readying themselves to battle for the coveted title of World Fireknife Champion. After a successful live streaming and “People’s Choice Award”launch last year, all four nights of this year’s competition will again be streamed online at WorldFireknife.com for the world to see in real time. Following the first night of finals on May 10, fans can also vote online for the new “People’s Choice Award,”recognizing their favourite competitor. “This year we are thrilled to be welcoming contestants from as far away as Fukushima, Japan,”said Raymond Magalei, PCC’s vice-president of sales and marketing. “Each year, these fierce warriors continue to raise the level of competition with their unique skills and finesse in the art of fireknife dancing. They have truly dedicated themselves to preserving this important facet of Samoan culture.”The preliminary senior competition will take place at PCC’s Samoan Village on May 8 at 7:45 p.m. (HST), followed by senior semi-finals, open group and Junior Pacific competitions on May 9, at the same time and in the same venue. Beginning May 10, three finalists will move to PCC’s Pacific Theater to take part in a two-night battle for the championship title during intermission of the Ha: Breath of Life evening show at approximately 8:15 p.m. (HST). Tickets are $10 for adults, ages 12 and up, and $6 for keiki ages five to 11. Kama’aina Annual Pass holders and full-day ticket holders receive free admission to the Samoan Cultural High School Arts Festival on Saturday morning. To join in on the final two nights of competition, May 10 and 11, guests must purchase a reserved seating ticket, starting at $45, to the Ha: Breath of Life evening show each night. Advanced reservations are highly recommended. (http://www.WorldFireknife.com)