LIHUE —A very merry time was had by all.
That sums up Friday’s Lights on Rice Parade.
It was the celebration of the season, complete with jolly old St. Nick, marching band members wearing Santa hats, dogs with antlers, snowmen, elves, Yoda and Darth Vader, snow coming down and most important, keiki smiling and laughing with delight and chasing candy.
The night’s festivities kicked off with Kauai Chorale signing Christmas favorites including “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” and “Jingle Bells.”
That was followed by the Festival of Lights at the Historic County Building that drew praise and applause.
The parade was the main attraction, and thousands watched.
Chairs started appearing on Rice Street Thursday evening and by Friday morning, hundreds were lined up.
John Martin and family staked out a spot about 4:30 p.m. on the lawn fronting the Historic County Building.
A Westsider and recently retired after a 30-year career with the county, Martin said they usually attend the Waimea Christmas parade. But since they bought a house and just moved to the Wailua Homesteads, they came out for Lights on Rice Friday.
They love it for the people they meet and the friends they see.
“We always know somebody that’s in the parade,” Martin said.
Asked where Lights on Rice ranks among community celebrations, he said: “I would say as far as Christmas parades go, I’m a little prejudice. I would say number two. My favorite, is of course, the Waimea lights parade. I’m from that side of the island,” he added, laughing.
Ahmoi Kawamura and her daughter, Kehau Kawamura of Kapaa arrived about three hours before the parade to nab a corner location at an intersection for their viewing point.
“I love the parade,” Ahmoi Kawamura said. “I love being here, watching the parade. We try to get here early to get us a good spot.
They come out every year.
“Ever since I was like 12,” Kehau Kawamura said.
Ahmoi loves the lights, the songs and the people.
“Just seeing all the happy faces,” she said.
They don’t even mind the traffic mess and delays on the drive home. The parade puts them in the spirit of the season.
“Just take your time and enjoy,” Ahmoi Kawamura said. “Our Christmas, it feels very blessed,” Kehau said.
