LIHU‘E — Waimea businesses and families are not willing to accept an economically dark and uncertain year. More than 35 businesses were entered in the 2009 Waimea Lighted Streetfront Contest, Chris Faye said in an e-mail. “The Christmas elves that
LIHU‘E — Waimea businesses and families are not willing to accept an economically dark and uncertain year.
More than 35 businesses were entered in the 2009 Waimea Lighted Streetfront Contest, Chris Faye said in an e-mail.
“The Christmas elves that came out to decide who was the best of the best almost went home without choosing because they were all so good,” Faye said. “Many thanks go out to all the main street businesses that go the extra mile to make the town sparkle.”
People attending the annual Waimea Lighted Parade tonight will also enjoy the efforts put forth by not only businesses, but residences that are in the neighborhood.
The Old Waimea Garage topped the Biggest and Brightest category of the Business division. That entry was followed by the Waimea Fire Station taking second place and the Waimea Post Office, one of the few post offices that decorate for the holidays, named to third place.
A home on the corner of Kaumuali‘i Highway and Ala Wai Road was deemed the Biggest and Brightest for the Residential division.
Ishihara Market, a popular stopping place for parade-goers, topped the Most Brilliant for Business division judging. It was followed by New Hair World/Dr. Kanna and M&H Repair & Mufflers. The Keahi family earned Most Brilliant honors in the residential judging.
Obsessions Cafe topped the Most Beautiful category followed by J’s Dining and Catering and Inn Waimea. The Bayot family earned Most Beautiful honors in the residential judging.
The Shrimp Station topped the Most Creative judging for businesses followed by Namahana Catering and Nukumoi Surf Co., a neighbor of The Shrimp Station. The Ayau family earned Most Creative for residences.
First Hawaiian Bank topped the Most Traditional judging for businesses followed by the Big Save, Waimea, despite its employees insisting they were not going to compete because they are always late. Camouflage, Etc. rounded out the judging for Most Traditional and the Sablan family earned the honor for residences.
Kaua‘i Care Center, completing its Care Gifts for West Kaua‘i Keiki project, topped the Best Nativity judging for businesses followed by the Waimea Baptist Church.
Faye said honorable mention goes to Aloha-N-Paradise, Aunty Lilikoi, Yumi’s Restaurant, Kaua‘i Granola, Waimea Plantation Cottages, Kikiaola Land Co., Kaua‘i Community Federal Credit Union, Ultimate Nails, Akamai Employment Services, Makai Properties, Wishy-Washy Laundrymat/Super Dooper II, Da Booze Shop/Main Event, New World Hair Cuts/Up-to-Date Cleaners and the Waimea Hawaiian Church.
Faye said members of the West Kaua‘i Business and Professional Association decorated the park across from Ishihara Market and First Hawaiian Bank.
In addition to these winning entries, Faye said there will be more businesses to view as decorating continues and should be completed by the time the parade starts at 6 p.m.
