LIHU‘E — The Rotary Club of Kaua‘i, including its president Ryan Fussell and vice president Laurie Yoshida, was recently celebrated by the Kaua‘i County Council with a certificate “for continuously organizing the Lights on Rice Christmas Parade to welcome the holidays.”
LIHU‘E — The Rotary Club of Kaua‘i, including its president Ryan Fussell and vice president Laurie Yoshida, was recently celebrated by the Kaua‘i County Council with a certificate “for continuously organizing the Lights on Rice Christmas Parade to welcome the holidays.”
The Rotary Club of Kaua‘i, currently 81 years old, was also commended for its years of dedication and service for the people of Kaua‘i through the organization’s numerous community service projects, which include taking control of the vandalism at the Ninini Point Lighthouse, and the presentation of the annual Old Koloa Mill Run to help raise funds for student scholarships.
Sponsored by Councilwoman Felicia Cowden on Jan. 10, the Certificate No. 78 states, “On the first Friday of December every year, the Lights on Rice Christmas Parade is presented by the Rotary Club of Kaua‘i. On Dec. 1, 2023, there were more than 60 participating parade units of both nonprofits, and for-profit entities, and at least 3,000 parade participants.”
Thousands of spectators of all ages gather along Rice Street to watch the creative lights on floats and parade participants welcome the holiday season, while uniting several other community events that include the Kaua‘i Museum Christmas Craft Fair and the Festival of Lights holiday lighting displays that, this in 2023, was limited to the outside of the Historic County Building and the lawn.
“This must-see event, considered one of Kaua‘i’s largest attractions, was voted as the “Best Event” by The Garden Island Newspaper readers in 2021 and 2022,” the Certificate states.
“Kaua‘i County Council members and staff thoroughly enjoy their participation in the Lights on Rice Parade each year. We are honored to walk with fellow participants while enjoying the families and visitors along the parade route. From kupuna to keiki, their smiles and holiday cheer create memories for us all.”
