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.