Lots on tap for Fourth

KAILUA-KONA — The 22nd Annual Kailua-Kona Independence Parade is ready to roll tonight, and the firework show is ready to explode.

Hosted by the Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association, more than 40 entries will walk, stomp or wheel down Kuakini Highway and Alii Drive at 6 p.m. in this year’s procession themed “Stars and Stripes Forever!”

The fireworks show launches at 8 p.m. The 10-minute show is produced off a barge on Kailua Bay, with widespread visibility.

Fundraising to put on the $36,000 Kona’s Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza, which will launch 2,039 explosive projectiles into the night sky, is right on target, too.

“Thank you all for everyone who contributed,” said Barbara Kossow, parade co-chairwoman and fireworks chairwoman, who said they were about $2,000 short of the goal but expected to go over the top later as contributions still trickled in. “We really appreciate it. This really is a community event.”

The parade begins at Kona Kekuaokalani Gym, near the Old Kona Airport, and heads south before turning down Palani Road and finishing at Coconut Grove Marketplace. The event’s grand marshal is Command Sgt. Maj. James K. Hussey, U.S. Army, retired.

Before it gets underway, a Lava Kids run will kick off the procession when keiki sprint down the parade course starting at Big Island Honda on Kuakini Highway. Kids can sign up right before the free event, although canned food donations are encouraged.