The chicken (er, rooster?) scrambled through the Waimea streets Saturday night, pursued by the Kani Wildlife Control officer wielding a large scoop net.
Spectators lining the streets laughed aloud as the fowl weaved between brightly illuminated floats and crossed the roadway in an effort to remain free.
The antics were presented by the Kani Wildlife Control unit, one of 40 units that made up the annual Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade that wound through the roadways starting at the Waimea Athletic Field and Waimea Canyon Middle School parking lots to end at Hofgaard Park.
Thousands of spectators capitalized on the clear weather conditions to line the streets that were decorated in lights, a result of the Streetfront Decorating Contest that launched earlier in the month.
Kealohilani Valente was one of those spectators, donning her special treat-grabbing hairpiece.
“She’s going to ask for candy,” said Kealohilani’s aunt, Christel Pope. “Her sister Kamailei is marching with the Pacific Missile Range Facility group, and she’s going to ask for candy from them” and other units in the parade.
The little youngster said not only was the parade special, the family was also celebrating dad’s birthday.
The annual holiday events were presented by the West Kauai Business and Professional Association to give Waimea and other West Kauai merchants a final economic boost before the year ends.
Gina’s Restaurant, housed in the historic Waimea Theatre building, offered a special “parade only” menu in order to accommodate the throngs of people lining the streets from early afternoon before the roads shut down.
“This is the most people we’ve had for a Friends of Waimea Public Library used book sale,” said Michelle Young, the Waimea Public Library branch manager. “We also have other activity stations to accommodate the children, including craft make-it-and-take it stations and a cookie decorating table.”
The Ako Store Building with Wrangler’s Restaurant and Saddle Room topped the Best Themed judging followed by the Big Save/Times Supermarket and the Sea Shell Diamond Gallery in the historic Waimea Theatre building.
Kauai Fire Department Chief Robert Westerman planned not to be in the parade, but spend time with the crews and families of the Waimea Fire Department that corralled the Most Creative Judging followed by J’s Dining and Catering and the Waimea Auto Glass Shop.
Aunty Lilikoi Products was open behind a line of crafters lining the sidewalks, earning the Most Traditional judging followed by the Waimea Baptist Church and the Gather Federal Credit Union.
On the western end of the parade, the Waimea Plantation Cottages secured the votes for the Biggest and Brightest judging followed by the Miyake building, and the Kauai Care Home whose kupuna were bestowed with greetings from all the passing floats. The Kikiaola Land Co. earned honorable mention in that category.
Ishihara Market was swarming with people, but was still visible in the crowd as the top choice in the Most Brilliant judging. It was followed by the Mane Event and Hofgaard Park.
Ultimate Nails was judged tops as Most Beautiful followed by the Friendship Do’s Ranch and the West Inn. The Waimea Hawaiian Church was voted the Best Children’s Theme followed by the Shrimp Station, Gina’s Restaurant and Jojo’s Shave Ice.
Best Architectural honors went to the Yamase Buildings A&B, followed by the Hong See Hee Building and the Masaki Building.
Shelle @ Haircuts was voted the Best Daytime display followed by Service Master and M H Service &Towing. The Agena residence was voted tops in Residence judging followed by the Carillio residence, the Bayot residence and the Magaoay home getting honorable mention.
The parade may have wound its way into the history books, but the streetfront displays and decorations will remain glowing throughout the holiday period.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
