KAILUA-KONA — A mauka drizzle threatened to rain on Kailua-Kona’s Independence Day Parade Monday, but spectators were spared foul weather by good fortune and a quick start as they watched the procession go off smoothly under the glow of a
KAILUA-KONA — A mauka drizzle threatened to rain on Kailua-Kona’s Independence Day Parade Monday, but spectators were spared foul weather by good fortune and a quick start as they watched the procession go off smoothly under the glow of a soft, evening sun.
The parade was replete with live music and choreographed dances, youth gymnasts and patriotic pets, waving politicians and hose-wielding firemen who delighted in soaking the laughing, boisterous crowds lining Kuakini Highway and Alii Drive.
Most importantly, the celebration featured war veterans from several U.S.-involved conflicts including World War II and the Vietnam War — men and women who represent the centuries-long struggle to obtain and maintain American freedom.
And, of course, there was the candy.
“My favorite part is when they throw the candy,” said smiling 8-year-old Namahana Smith, showing off a tote bag full of sweets to rival even the most adept trick-or-treater’s sugar haul. “My second favorite part is when they pass out the flags.”
There was some debate under her tent, however, about where Independence Day ranks in the hierarchy of holidays and why.
“It’s as good as Christmas because at the end you get to pop off fireworks!” Caydie Maieko exclaimed.
Both young ladies were headed to Alii Drive to catch the fireworks display with their family after the parade had finished, as was Stan Lee, a part-time Kona resident from outside Sacramento, California.
Lee and his family have been attending the Independence Day procession for the past decade, and it’s developed into a tradition. He’s technically vacationing in Kona, but ironically, what Lee said he enjoys most about the parade is the sense of home it provides.
“We come from a small town,” he said. “It’s great. It’s got that small town feel. There are people you know.”
The sense of community was strong throughout the streets of Kona Monday evening.
Parents hoisted children up on their shoulders to get a better view, excited youngsters leaped up and down pleading for more treats from paraders, and one woman held up her iPad the entire night, videotaping the festivities for her bed-ridden grandmother who is laid up in the hospital.
The entire parade took less than an hour start to finish, but Eric Arcilla — who has been attending with his family for several years — said its relative briefness wasn’t enough to hamper the experience.
“The ones in the past have had more participants,” Arcilla said. “This one was way quicker, but it was all cool.”
