WAIMEA — The threat of incoming heavy rains did not deter the crowds who lined both sides of Kaumuali‘i Highway in Waimea, Saturday. “This is her farewell trip before she goes to O‘ahu,” said Louis Aviguetero, a driver with Stan
WAIMEA — The threat of incoming heavy rains did not deter the crowds who lined both sides of Kaumuali‘i Highway in Waimea, Saturday.
“This is her farewell trip before she goes to O‘ahu,” said Louis Aviguetero, a driver with Stan Morinaka and the Kaua‘i Veterans Express. “When Dee Morikawa was elected, we told her we would give her a farewell ride.”
Morikawa got help from her family and close friends to equip the large 40-foot trailer for the journey before several thousand people at the 17th annual Waimea Lighted Parade.
“This is so special,” Morikawa said. “The support that I’ve gotten from the town during the election, and now, to be part of this parade is indescribable. This is such an honor.”
Penny Young of the West Kaua‘i Main Street program took advantage of the gathering to distribute fliers touting monthly specials from Waimea businesses and organizations as the heavy cloud cover obscured the setting sun.
“This is only a small kine parade,” said Chris Faye, longtime supporter of the parade and its surrounding activities. “We almost missed the judging for this year’s street lighting, but managed to get it off Friday night.”
Ishihara Market, a perennial parade anchor, had its culinary crew firing up the grills as aromatic smoke blanketed spectators already lining the sidewalk.
Ishihara was voted tops in the Most Brilliant category followed by George Kanna DDS, the Waimea post office, and Big Save Market.
The Waimea Post Office is one of the rare post offices that take on the task of decorating its facade in holiday lights to be part of the Westside town’s celebration.
“This year, we had ‘snow’ outside the Waimea Fire Station,” Faye said. “I think that was special, but it’s all gone for the parade. Snow in Waimea, reindeer in fire hats. They deserve the Drop Da Jaw award.”
The Kaua‘i Care Center, recently dedicating its Lokahi Building, topped the Nativity category over the Waimea Baptist Church.
Waimea Theater, home to Yumi’s restaurant, topped the Biggest and Brightest judging followed by Obsessions, the Old Waimea Garage where the Kalaheo Seniors had preferred parking, and Wrangler’s Restaurant whose front parking lot was orange-screened for additional dining seating.
Yumi’s, getting its frontage supplemented by a sidewalk craft fair offering for the parade, finished third in the judging in the Most Creative division.
Aloha Rainbow Screening took that category followed by Lu’s Crafts, Yumi’s and the Booze Shop/Mane Event.
The Shrimp Station topped the Most Beautiful category followed by Namahana II and Smoked Pork, Island Taco, and M&H whose Christmas party was headlined by Stan and Marie Yadao.
“The lights from the street businesses and residences really add to the parade experience,” Faye said. “The winners only win bragging rights, but to have them be a part of the parade and the people’s enjoyment is really great.”
Anchoring the parade is the Ayau ‘Ohana, the group made up of family and anyone who wants to help.
“We’ve been doing this from the first parade 17 years ago,” a spokesperson said. “Over the years, we’ve had a pirate ship, a castle, and all kinds of things. Last years, it was the cars and this year, it’s Toy Story.”
The annual parade held the Saturday before Christmas is hosted by the West Kaua‘i Business and Professional Association and the County of Kaua‘i.
As the last float, the Ayau ‘Ohana, pulled off Kaumuali‘i Highway at the foot of Waimea Bridge, the first vestiges of the approaching weather front announced itself as droplets of rain sprinkled the gathering.
•Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
