WAIMEA — Parade organizers for the annual Waimea Lighted Parade estimated about 10,000 people along the side of Kaumualii Highway to witness this year’s extravaganza. Coinciding with the final Saturday before Christmas, organizers squeezed, cajoled and worked to get as
WAIMEA — Parade organizers for the annual Waimea Lighted Parade estimated about 10,000 people along the side of Kaumualii Highway to witness this year’s extravaganza.
Coinciding with the final Saturday before Christmas, organizers squeezed, cajoled and worked to get as many entries into the big parade because there were several who had planned to be in the Lights on Rice parade before it was canceled due to inclement weather.
“This is the biggest parade, ever,” one spectator said, thrilling to the glowing caravan that appeared to have no end to it.
A stage set up outside the First Hawaiian Bank provided the perfect vantage point for several spectators who got an elevated view of the parade as it trekked past the Ishihara Market.
Motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, Jet Skis and the new Kaua‘i Police Department Incident Command Center drew the attention of the spectators as did the throngs of marching units representing family service groups, preschools, and even the keiki and high school rodeo competitors who showed off their skill with a lariat.
Community groups like the Waimea High School girls basketball, the Waimea High School band and other groups set up tables along the parade route offering a variety of food offerings for spectators to enjoy while watching the extravaganza.
“I don’t know how we’re going to fit all these floats,” said Calvin Shirai, one of the organizers, at the end of the parade. “They’re not all going to fit in that area we set up.”
But when the dust settled and as the night’s featured performer, Sean Naauau, prepared to get on stage, the floats all fit, people wore smiles of glee on their faces, and a steady stream flowed into the new KPD mobile communications vehicle to get a closer look at all of its electronic marvels.
“This is not for judging,” said Chris Faye, another of the parade organizers. “It’s just about having fun and celebrating the season.”
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
