Wyoming All-State Band Joins Hawaii Kai Holiday Parade

The Hawaii Kai Holiday Parade begins at 10 a.m. Nov. 29 when an estimated 1,300 participants and 30 decorated vehicles will move down Lunalilo Home

Road from Kamiloiki Community Park to Koko Marina Center, which cosponsors the annual march with Hawaii Kai Lions Club.

“Just bringing joy and a little twinkle in the eyes of all who either watch or participate is reason enough to continue this yearly event,” noted parade coordinator Ken Nishibun.

“That is why this parade has become such an anticipated and cherished community tradition, rain or shine, since 1969.”

Although there is no grand marshal this year, the march won’t lack for noise and color, with hundreds of schoolchildren expected, along with scouts, pageant queens, classic cars and a special appearance by the Wyoming All State Marching Band. Numbering 150 musicians, the group represents dozens of communities and 27 high school programs in the Equality State. The band is a veteran of the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Also marching are the Kaiser JROTC Color Guard, Royal Hawaiian Band, Kaiser and Mc-Kinley high school bands and the Celtic Pipes & Drums.

Santa’s elves (disguised as Lions and Kaiser LEO club members) will hand out “thousands of pieces” of candy along the 1.5-mile stretch. Santa, by the way, is Lion Marty Jorgensen, who grows his own beard.

More festivities await at 11 a.m. at Koko Marina Center, with free entertainment, rides, hula, exhibits and keiki activities. Parade fans are invited to bring unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots (or a cash donation) and then keiki can enjoy carnival rides for free. Santa Claus always brings up the tail end of the parade and will make a personal entrance via speedboat to greet keiki and sit for photos in Koko Marina courtyard (around 11:30 a.m).

For more information, call Nishibun at 754-6605.