KILAUEA — Standing under an umbrella, rain dumping down, holding son David in her arms, Debbie Dorsee-Pacheco, was all smiles. Who cares about a little, well, a lot of rain, on the North Shore? No one. Especially not when there’s
KILAUEA — Standing under an umbrella, rain dumping down, holding son David in her arms, Debbie Dorsee-Pacheco, was all smiles.
Who cares about a little, well, a lot of rain, on the North Shore?
No one. Especially not when there’s a parade.
“It’s awesome,” she said. “This is such a great community parade that brings camaraderie.”
Same for friend Russ Boyer next to her, also gripping an umbrella.
“It’s perfect,” he said.
It sure seemed that way for the Kilauea Community Party Sunday morning.
A small, but definitely spirited crowd came out for the parade that featured about 35 entries with classic cars, dignitaries, princesses, musicians, bicyclists and war veterans. David Kahaunaele, lighthouse keeper 1957 and 1958, was parade grand marshal.
People waved to friends, grinned and swapped friendly comments. No one seemed to mind the strengthening storm that unleashed showers right as the parade started at 10:30 a.m.
“Some fun and funky North Shore style mixed with the old school legacy seniors leading off after the Color Guard,” wrote organizer Tom Pickett.
There were the unusual acts, like Michael Orlik and Theresa Kaviani-Orlik who came out from San Francisco to join the fun.
They made the trip in honor of their grandparents, Bob and Ferne Orlik, who lived in Kilauea, volunteered at the Kilauea Point Lighthouse, and worked in the community.
Michael and Therea rode and walked with their bikes, wore T-shirts with Bob and Ferne’s picture, and donned patriotic red, white and blue outfits in honor of the couple.
“They loved Kilauea,” Michael said. “So we wanted to be here for them.”
Desiree Hoover and Dana Ross, rolling along the parade route on a loud chopper with dog Sandy in the middle, were all wet and loving it.
They called their entry, “Sisterhood of the Hogs.”
“Go Kilauea,” Hoover said as they roared away.
Kilauea residents Michael Maroney and Maria Maitino watched from the sidelines, impressed with the pluck of parade participants.
“This is so awesome. These people are in the rain, and they’re still out there,” Maitino said.
Maroney couldn’t recall a better parade. In fact, he couldn’t recall any previous parades there. No matter. This one rocked.
“It’s great fun,” he said. “I feel bad for them, but it’s great fun.”
• Bill Buley, editor-in-chief, can be reached at 245-0457 or bbuley@thegardenisland.com.
