Independence Day parade awards announced

A large crowd of spectators welcomed 55 colorful entries at the 21st annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade with its theme “Kona’s Got Spirit!” and witnessed a wonderful fireworks extravaganza over Kailua Bay.

The Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association announced that the following entries have been awarded certificates:

Nonprofit Entries:

Float

First– Friends of Big Island Drug Court

Second– Grand Marshal – Vietnam Veterans of Kona

Third – Kona Elks Lodge No. 2616

Marching

First – Kealakehe High School JROTC

Second (tie) – Daughters of the American Revolution

Echo City Knockouts

Third – Advocats

Keiki

First – Kona Aerial Gymnastics

Second – Kona Dance and Performing Arts

Third- National Parks of West Hawaii

Commercial/Political Entries

First (tie) – Auto Body Hawaii, Dolphin Journeys

Second–Mokulele Airlines

Third – Team Tulsi

All Entries:

Best Patriotic Entry:

Grand Marshal – Vietnam Veterans of Kona

Crowd Pleaser: Volunteer Fire Department No. 7 – Bravo

Judges’ Special:

Kona Dance and Performing Arts

Best in Theme: (tie) Kona Shrine Club, GEICO

Best in Music: KBXtreme

Winners may pick up their awards at the Kona Mayor’s office at the West Hawaii Civic Center, beginning on Friday. Info: Barbara Kossow at 938-0806.

Na Leo O Hawaii will begin airing the July 4 events later this month on Channel 53 or by going to naleo.tv. Check the parade website paradesinkona for dates and times.