Happy President's Day

I hope all the readers of "Insights and Sounds" are having a wonderful and blessed three day weekend! President's Day is not a heavily celebrated holiday here in the islands, unless you're a state worker (and have Monday off). With the sensitive issues of native Hawaiian rights always present, it's probably not the most revered date on the calendar either. Nonetheless, I thought it appropriate to share some photos I took of fireworks two nights ago. The two biggest holidays involving aerial pyrotechnics are New Year's Eve (due to strong Chinese cultural traditions) and the 4th of July. Nothing is done in particular for President's Day, but the Hilton Hawaiian Village does a weekly show every Friday near the Duke Kahanamoku lagoon. It's a short affair, lasting maybe 3 1/2 minutes or so. But fireworks are fireworks, whether of a short duration or a Disney park affair (I knew I could work some connection to the parks in this post). And since fireworks are inherently patriotic, what's better than linking it to this holiday installment.

And just so I can work in a shout out to our Lord, the bible says to pray for our leaders so that they may have wisdom, compassion, and justness in guiding our country.

So to everyone..."Happy President's Day" from the shores of Waikiki!

 (Photographs Copyright 2017 Len Yokoyama)

No Surprises for Disneyland's 60th

A new castle with diamond stud strings and a fresh paint job.

From a different angle.

 Brand new fireworks show.

Paint the Night parade from Hong Kong Disneyland.

California Adventure's Carthay Circle even gets in on the act. (OK, that was new to me.)

When you add this to the dark ride enhancements coming to Fantasyland, and a few nostalgia fueled items, what do you get? Not much, but the park's will look nice. Tonight's Disneyland 60th announcement is no big deal...we've heard it all- for now. I'm sure during the season, more announcements will be made, but for now, nothing spectacular.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)