A large crowd of spectators welcomed 67 entries at the 19th annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade with its theme, “United As One!” and witnessed a fireworks show over Kailua Bay. The Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association announced that the following entries have been awarded certificates:
Nonprofit entries:
Float: first, Friends of the Big Island Drug Court; second, Hawaii Volunteer Fire Department Company 7 Bravo; third, National Parks of West Hawaii
Marching: first, Echo City Knockouts; second, West Hawaii County Band; third, Kona Community Hospital
Patriotic: first, Veterans of Foreign Wars; second, American Legion Kona Post 20; third – Military Spouses
Keiki: first, Kona Lil Soljahs Mustang 9’s
Commercial entries: first, Dolphin Journeys; second, Auto Body Hawaii; third, Katie Moore Fitness
Political entries: Council member Brenda Ford and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa tied for first.
All Entries:
Crowd pleaser: Echo City Knockouts
Judges’ special: Kealakehe Intermediate School Dance Team
Adherence to theme: U.S. Military Veterans
Best in Music: West Hawaii County Band
Best in Lights: Solid Rock Ministries
Winners may pick up their awards at the Kona mayor’s office at the West Hawaii Civic Center, beginning on Thursday. Questions may be directed to Barbara Kossow at 938-0806.