LIHUE — With a few hundred spectators lining the route of Saturday’s parade at the Kukui Grove Center, Harvey Maeda knew what that meant. “People must have been waiting for Christmas,” Maeda said. “There was quite a crowd.” The wait
LIHUE — With a few hundred spectators lining the route of Saturday’s parade at the Kukui Grove Center, Harvey Maeda knew what that meant.
“People must have been waiting for Christmas,” Maeda said. “There was quite a crowd.”
The wait was worth it.
Children and adults were treated to a procession of classic cars, colorful canines, delightful dancers and spirited scouts.
The rain stayed away long enough for folks to enjoy the holiday happening before taking cover.
“There were a whole bunch who said they were going to participate,” said Maeda of the Kauai Classic Cars. “But the phone kept ringing all day and people dropped out because of the impending arrival of the rain.”
Despite dwindling to just seven cars, the Kauai Classic Cars finished first in the vehicle judging, followed by Pure 808 Custom thrilling young and old lining the sidewalks at Kukui Grove as the seemingly unending convoy was led by “Big Truck.”
For the first time in 20 years, the parade featured a grand marshal, the spot being filled by Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., who brought out county department heads and employees in force.
“They asked if I wanted a car,” Carvalho said. “I told them ‘Mo! This is a walking parade and I love to meet the people, face to face.’”
Ilima Rivera’s hula halau earned third place in the parade sponsored by the Kukui Grove Center, the Garden Island Federal Credit Union and the Kauai Teachers Federal Credit Union.
The Dog Fanciers of Kauai treated the spectators to shows of obedience training with canines decorated for the holidays and topped the walking unit judging.
The Girl Scouts of Kapaa, uniformly decorated for the season garnished with replicas of Girl Scout cookies, captured runner-up honors in the walking unit judging, with Na Hoku o Kauai featuring 2013 Baby Kalena Mahelona, getting third place.
The Kalaheo Elementary School Sunshine Express, perennial winners at the parade, captured top honors in the vehicle and marching judging.
A crew from Macy’s, taking a break from hectic Black Friday activities, distributed more specials for the holidays en route to earning runner up honors in the judging.
Spectators were treated to a preview of The Rose Bowl Parade as the Kauai contingent, under the direction of Catherine Paleka and Joann Parongao, donned uniforms similar to the garb the All Hawaii Rose Bowl Marching Band will wear in the parade.
