Presidential campaigns — as well as those for and against O'ahu's rail system — brought a political flavor to the 62nd annual Kailua Fourth of July parade.

The Windward beachside town's annual celebration yesterday clearly reflected the dynamics of an election year, with politicos and interest groups out in force.

"Go Rail Now" supporter Russell Takara and his friends waved and flashed shakas as the "De Rail Da Rail" crew went past, even as one fellow shouted "Mufi's gotta go!" in his direction, a reference to Mayor Mufi Hannemann's staunch support of rail.

But Takara wasn't about to let a little conflict get in the way of his day.

"It's Fourth of July," the Honolulu resident said, magnanimously.

Supporters of Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama were also in full spin mode, each camp overestimating the size of their respective contingents.

Organizers had braced for a 250-strong McCain presence, said Reinhold Metzger of the Koolaupoko Lions Club. But once the Korean War Veterans' military vehicles went past, only about 70 walked in McCain's group.

The estimated parade marchers for Obama, McCain's Democratic rival, was 100. About 80 showed up, led by U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono.

But it wasn't all about politicking.

The smell of sunscreen mixed with eau-de-horse-on-hot-asphalt that permeated Kainalu Drive as neighbors and friends shared whatever shade they could find on a hot, sunny day — tarps, beach umbrellas, even each other.

Amid all the colors of the bright day, a best-in-show wardrobe award should have gone to Margo Sprague of Kailua, bedecked in a red, white and blue hat; red, white and blue kukui nut lei; star-spangled earrings and necklace; and even a red, white and blue feather boa.

"My husband bought this for me in Chicago," she confided, tugging on one end of boa. "And he got me a green one, too, for St. Patrick's Day."

Her husband could be found heading in her direction a few minutes later, wearing an identical lei. Ken Sprague had just finished his flag-bearer job with marchers who are Vietnam veterans.

"It's a very good, enthusiastic crowd," he said. "It's always good to have people celebrate the good things about our country. And to carry the American flag."

Plus, he had personal reasons to be thankful.

"We're lucky we didn't have to walk behind the horses this year," he said.

As the veterans marched past, people whooped and applauded.

"Thank you, gentlemen!" was the shout-out from Patrick O'Malley to the Purple Hearts and other veterans groups. He later said that he himself was retired Army.

And, of course, it was a day for families, who lined the parade route from end to end.

At one end was Abigail Rose Aweau, 2, who tried valiantly to wrap her rosebud mouth around a giant lollipop.

"This is tradition, to be here," said grandpa, Patrick Ishikawa.

Farther down, another grandpa, Bill Henderson of Kailua, was taking in the sights with granddaughter Veronica, 4 1/2, and daughter Holland. His girls had managed to pull in quite a haul along the parade route: a fan, balloons, stickers, pencil, water bottle and even — score! — a frozen Otter Pop.

"We've been coming since she," pointing to daughter, "was that size," pointing to granddaughter, he said, his smile as wide as Kailua Bay.

And Kailua's Jackie Cadinha — or Auntie America (recognizable by the "Aunty America" pageant-style banner she wore over her mu'umu'u) — was definitely having a good time, though one might wonder who thought it was a good idea to give her a microphone as she sat in the shade in front of Calvary Church of the Islands.

She was giving out her own running commentary.

"I was out here looking for Uncle Sam," she explained with a hearty laugh.

Don't confuse Aunty America with anti-America.

"Do you know why I am Aunty America?" she asked, then answered: "because I was overqualified to be Miss Hawai'i!"