LIHU‘E — A Christmas parade served as a great way for hundreds of people to wrap up Thanksgiving weekend. Residents and visitors lined the sidewalks and parking lot Saturday at Kukui Grove Center as recipients of the efforts of numerous
LIHU‘E — A Christmas parade served as a great way for hundreds of people to wrap up Thanksgiving weekend.
Residents and visitors lined the sidewalks and parking lot Saturday at Kukui Grove Center as recipients of the efforts of numerous community groups.
The Kalaheo School Sunshine Express edged out Na Hoku pageants for top honors in the vehicle judging. The singing group was housed in four carts pulled by a tow truck along with Santa’s sleigh.
The win for the Sunshine Express is a repeat as the group has captured top honors in the judging annually, its members dressed as elves and singing tunes of the holidays for spectators along the parade route which circled the mall.
Na Hoku reigning royalty greeted the crowd from atop a colorfully decorated float, smiling shyly, but acknowledging the audience in true character of royalty.
The Kapa‘a High School marching band utilized the depth of its program, including the members of the chorus. One piloted Santa’s sleigh while band members played and a corps of banner girls heralded its arrival.
But that performance could not top the Girl Scouts of Troop 851 who were each decorated as holiday gifts. That earned the scouts top honors in the walking division over the Warrior band.
Judging aside, the Warriors provided the pomp associated with parades as Sparky, the mascot of the Kaua‘i Fire Department Prevention Bureau, could be seen keeping time with the lively holiday music.
Jason Fujinaka, the on-air personality of FM97, a sponsor of the event, provided the play-by-play for the benefit of the judges who were unswayed by the banana gift from Ron Wiley and the KQNG Radio Group ensemble.
The Kaua‘i Christmas Parade launches a holiday season of parades as Lihu‘e readies for the 12th Lights on Rice parade which will unfold Friday along Rice Street starting at 6:30 p.m.
On Dec. 18, a lights parade will be held in Waimea as the West Kaua‘i Business Association hosts its traditional electric parade along the main street of Waimea starting at sundown.
Saturday’s event was sponsored by Garden Island Federal Credit Union, Kaua‘i Teachers Federal Credit Union and Kukui Grove Center.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
