The 16th Annual World Fireknife Championships and Samoa festival will take place today through Saturday at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

At 7:45 p.m. tonight, the female and duet competitions will be held in the Hale Aloha Theater.

A preliminary competition is at 7:45 p.m. Thursday, and on Friday the semifinal, Pacific junior and keiki competitions will be held beginning at 7:45 p.m.

On Saturday, the Samoa Festival High School Cultural Presentation will be at 9 a.m. at the Pacific Theater. Finals of the competition will be at 6 and 8 p.m.

Admission to Hale Aloha Theater and the Samoa festival is $8 for ages 12 and up and $6 for ages 3 to 11. Visitors who want to attend the final competition must purchase a reserved seat that includes the night show for $43 ($33 for ages 3 to 11 years). Winners will be announced at the second show.

For information, tickets and reservations call 293-3333 or visit www.polynesia.com.