Everybody loves a parade in Kailua, U.S.A.
| • | Magic Island fireworks stalled by misfired shell |
By Jennifer Hiller
Advertiser Staff Writer
When she discovered a parade route outside her front door, Denise O'Toole did what any self-respecting malihini would. She threw on an American flag bathing suit, found a folding chair and grabbed a friend.
Kyle Sackowski • The Honolulu Advertiser
"I love this," said O'Toole, who has lived in Kailua two weeks. "I'm going to have all my friends over next year."
From left, Kailua parade spectators Karina Balaoro, 11, Ashley Kelly, 9, Kaila Smith, 10, and Karly Smith, 8, show their patriotism with Uncle Sam hats and face paint.
The Kailua Fourth of July Parade brought out thousands of O'ahu residents to celebrate in small-town style. With decorated strollers, skateboards, bikes, trikes, in-line skates and razor scooters joining the traditional floats and the Marine Corps Band, the parade participants and onlookers transformed a normally quiet neighborhood into a long block party.
Aaron Mahi said he's been to the parade for 20 years with the Royal Hawaiian Band.
"The thing that we like about it is it's flat and it's one direction," he said.
Belly dancers shimmied down the street, others square-danced, kids jumped rope and girls did cartwheels. Some church groups and politicians passed out bottled water, sunscreen packets and slices of watermelon to the hot, grateful masses.
Joe Correa of Waimanalo's Hawai'i Equestrian and Trails Association ended up following the horses that his group brought to the parade, while his family and friends rode horses or waved from a trailer.
"I'm scooping poop today," Correa shrugged. "Somebody has to do it." He took his job in stride, though.
"Our motto is to enjoy, enjoy, enjoy," he said.
Others had tough jobs as well.
Briana Pratt, 9, and Elyse Jambeau, 9, both fourth-graders at 'Aikahi Elementary School, served as two of the flag bearers for Girl Scout Troop 369.
"I'm very hot and this is heavy," said Briana, before the parade had started.
