Friday & Saturday, April 1 & 2:  53rd Annual Merrie Monarch Festival.  Final days of the week-long festival of cultural events including Hawai`i's most prestigious hula competition at Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium.  Friday & Saturday are the group Kahiko (ancient) and 'Auana (modern) hula competitions. A parade winds through Hilo-town on Saturday morning. For more information visit www.merriemonarch.com.