LIHU‘E — Hundreds of people took a break from holiday shopping to enjoy the annual Kaua‘i Christmas Parade, Saturday afternoon at Kukui Grove Center. The annual event — hosted by the Garden Island and Kaua‘i Teachers federal credit unions —
LIHU‘E — Hundreds of people took a break from holiday shopping to enjoy the annual Kaua‘i Christmas Parade, Saturday afternoon at Kukui Grove Center.
The annual event — hosted by the Garden Island and Kaua‘i Teachers federal credit unions — punctuates the start of the holiday season, attracting community organizations and a bevy of beauty queens.
Cheryl Perreira, coordinating the Na Hoku series of beauty queens, finished by capturing third place in the Decorated Vehicles judging while Joy Star Productions, whose queens walked with a host of escorts, finished second in the Walking or Marching Unit judging.
“I didn’t even know,” said Joy Buccat of Joy Star Productions when told her group had earned an award. “I don’t think the queens even knew they were competing. They just wanted to be part of the festivities.”
Waimea High School Jr. ROTC, under the direction of Major Victor Aguilar, finished third in the Walking and Marching Unit judging.
“We just came because (the organizers) said they needed the American flag,” Aguilar said. “Col. Jerald Knudsen of the Kapa‘a Jr. ROTC was always a strong supporter of this parade, but he retired last year so we’re helping out. This is only the second time we’re participating in this parade.”
Aguilar brought over his color guard for the flag presentation, a banner unit and an abbreviated drill unit for the event.
The Dog Fanciers of Kaua‘i topped the Walking and Marching Unit judging, its corps of canines and owners demonstrating how good the animals can be despite the distractions of a large crowd.
The Kalaheo School Sunshine Express, under the direction of Laine Griffith, finished tops in the Decorated Vehicle judging. This year the truck was masked over to resemble a locomotive, complete with its red cow catcher. The entire student ensemble broke into holiday carols amplified by the sound system hooked up to the train.
Runner-up honors in the Decorated Vehicle judging was presented to the Kaua‘i Classic Cars headed up by Harvey Maeda, its numbers soaring to the two-dozen mark and featuring a variety of classic automobiles.
The event was hosted by FM97 on-air personalities Jason Fujinaka on the Times Big Save side of the mall and Ron Wood on the Longs Drugs side of the mall, the personalities interacting with KQNG Radio Group celebrity Ron Wiley.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
