LIHU‘E — A delegation from the Rotary Club of Moriyama City, Japan will join the Lights on Rice parade scheduled for Dec. 7. “We’ve gone international,” said Eileen Winters of the Rotary Club of Kaua‘i, who is the parade chairperson,
LIHU‘E — A delegation from the Rotary Club of Moriyama City, Japan will join the Lights on Rice parade scheduled for Dec. 7.
“We’ve gone international,” said Eileen Winters of the Rotary Club of Kaua‘i, who is the parade chairperson, during a Lights on Rice parade briefing meeting Tuesday evening. “The delegation from Moriyama City will be joining the combined Rotary Clubs on Kaua‘i 75th anniversary float.”
Winters said because the parade coincides with Pearl Harbor Day, the Rotarians from Japan will also be bringing paper cranes folded by the children of Japan as a gesture of peace and goodwill.
The public is encouraged to take in the annual holiday parade, which will start at 6:30 p.m. The parade begins at the junction of Kalena and Rice Streets and make its way on Rice Street, ending at Eiwa Street between the historic County Building and the Kaua‘i Museum.
The Kaua‘i Museum, celebrating its 51st anniversary, will be hosting its annual Christmas Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will be featuring a food court where people are able to get meals, refreshments and snacks while waiting for the parade to start.
Additionally, the Festival of Lights will host its annual lighting ceremony of the historic County Building starting at 6 p.m. It will feature the Kaua‘i Chorale, which will perform “Jingle Bells,” a favorite of Santa Claus, in both English and Hawaiian while keiki of Halau Ka Lei Kukui Hi‘ilani under the direction of Kumu Lei Hi‘ilani Kirkpatrick perform a hula to the popular holiday number.
The lighting of the historic County Building signals the start of the Lights on Rice parade where community organizations, schools and businesses adorn vehicles and themselves with thousands of holiday lights.
John Sydney Yamane of the Rotary Club of Kaua‘i said at last count Tuesday, there are more than 50 units registered to participate with more than 1,800 participants in the parade.
The triple bill of holiday treats is free and open to the public and will also be taped by a crew from the Ho‘ike Community Television for viewing as part of its holiday offering.
Parade organizers encourage people to come early, enjoy the many specials offered by businesses and establishments and welcome the holiday season at this free, family event.
