MEDIA RELEASE

The Kailua-Kona Community Parade Committee is now seeking entries for the Saturday, Dec. 11 event. The deadline to enter is Dec. 1 or sooner if the maximum number of entries is received.

The parade, presented by the Rotary Clubs of Kona and Lions Club of Kona, starts at 5 p.m. at Kona’s Kekuaokalani Gym (near Old Airport). The parade route goes along Kuakini Highway, down Palani Road, and along Alii Drive to Coconut Grove Marketplace.

This year’s Grand Marshall is the Kanuha Ohana, a local family known for its decades of good works in the community.

The parade theme is Na Mele O Kalikimaka (The Songs of Christmas). Parade entries are encouraged to feature lots of Christmas lights and of course music. Community groups, nonprofit organizations, informal or formal neighborhood groups, and individuals are encouraged to enter, along with local businesses.

The parade is always a fun, festive community event and draw thousands of spectators. Approximately 60 to 65 entries are expected in the parade.

There will be several announcing stations along the parade route. Santa will be in front of West Hawaii Today (corner of Kuakini Highway and Kaiwi Street) from 4:30 p.m. until the parade starts. There will also be entertainment at some of the stations.

Volunteers are needed to help with the many tasks involved.

To obtain an entry form to be part of the parade, volunteer, or for more information about individual or business sponsorship, go to the Kona side Mayor’s Office at Hanama Place (across the street from Big Island Grill), or call Stone Wolfsong at 990-4785 or Barbara Kossow at 327-3603.

Applications and additional information about the parade are available at www.paradesinkona.com