HILO — The spirit of the Merrie Monarch Festival is everywhere in this quiet little town this week.

Today, one of its most endearing embodiments was found at the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort.

That's where Ke ola Pono No Na Kupuna, the halau comprising senior citizens, put on a show for anyone who cared to watch. Even a wheelchair couldn't keep Hilo's Jane from joining the rest.

The festival gets serious tonight, with the Miss Aloha Hula Competition at Edith Kanakaole Stadium.

The entrance of the Royal Court is scheduled for 6 p.m., followed by the national anthem and Hawaii Ponoi by Karena Asejo.

A pule by Father George De Costa precedes the introduction of judges.

And at 6:30 sharp — and they do mean sharp at these things, so be in your seat — the first of the Miss Aloha Hula competitors takes the stage.