If you know someone who embodies the aloha spirit — a friend, neighbor or family member — now is the time to give them recognition.

New to the 63rd Annual Aloha Festivals is the Spirit of Aloha award. Residents can submit an essay, 200 words or less, describing why your nominee embodies what aloha is all about. The top three nominees will be posted on the www.alohafestivals.com Web site for public vote, with the nominee receiving the most votes earning the Spirit of Aloha award. Deadline is Sept. 18.

The Aloha Festivals officially kicked off yesterday with the Royal Court Investiture and the Opening Ceremony, but the fun goes on over the next three Saturdays, starting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow with a keiki ho'olaule'a at Pearlridge Center. Next Saturday, Sept. 19, is the Waikiki Ho'olaule'a — the biggest block party in Hawai'i, with vendors and entertainment lining Kalakaua Avenue. The festivities start at 7 p.m. On Sept. 26, the annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade starts at 9 a.m. and runs from Ala Moana Park to Kapi'olani Park.