Lighting of the Lahaina Banyan Tree

Tonight was the annual lighting of the historic Lahaina Banyan Tree for Christmas.  This Banyan Tree was first planted in 1873, and now stands over 60 feet high and stretches over a 200-foot area.  The aerial roots make new "trunks" when they touch the ground and this one tree covers an acre in downtown Lahaina.

Unbelievably, this is all one tree

Carol and I went down early and found there were all kinds of festivities: several bands, community choirs singing Christmas carols, Santa Claus and a really "interesting" snowman.  And --bonus!-- a huge art fair of local Maui artists. The fair was to raise funds for art scholarships for Maui high school seniors. There are so many talented Maui artists and we sure did our part to financially support the local art community... now how to get those treasures home  :)

Joe and Richard came down in time to grab a bite at the Lahaina Pizza Company and walk over to the lighting ceremony.  Here are a few pictures from our evening:

Ever hear bagpipes play Christmas music?
Now THAT'S interesting...

What a scary looking snowman
but the kids loved touching "real" snow

Carol and Richard at the festivities