The time has come for our association to move on to new ventures as we formally announce that the Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade 2023 will be our final parade that we manage. We are seeking volunteers to take over the committee so that the July 4th Parade & Fireworks show along with the Christmas parade continues.
For the last 37 years our two associations overseeing the Christmas and Independence parades in Kona have had the honor to host these 2 very special and unique parades. The Kona area service council began the journey 37 years ago. The current association came on a few years later and has been managing the Kona Christmas and the Independence Day Parade and Fireworks show,
For 32 years co-chair Rotarian Barbara Kossow has been with the 2 associations and has been an enormous and valuable asset each and every year. Rotarian Renee Kraft has been on the committee for 18 years and will hold dear all the special memories of the thousands of participants especially the joy and smiles of the keiki. Cheryl Beckley our Announcer Chair has been instrumental in coordinating the announcers and preparing the scripts among many other tasks. Michelle Romo has been our judges chair for several years coordinating the judges, set up and managing the scores for winners. Christmas 2022 holds an extra sweet memory for MIchell's as her Dad the late Pastor David Rees-Thomas was a named a honorary grand marshal winding his way past the King Kamehameha as MIchelle could not help but beam as her Dad passed the King Kamehameha and the judges. Susy Bullard chaired Sound Systems and managed the coordination of the pick-up and delivery and setting up of the Sound Systems for all the announcer stations along the parade route. Danny Maligro has ben our Santa helping coordinate and create the Santa float for several years. Berni Haleamau is the logistics coordinator at pre-parade assembly for the big rigs out on Loloku street. For many many years Berni and her faithful wonderful ohana ran that operation not only seamlessly but with heart.
There are many operating parts to the puzzle to effectively put on not only a great parade and fireworks show but keeping it smooth and safe for everyone. We invite and encourage anyone and/or organizations with interest taking over this operation to please reach out to us at paradesinkona@gmail.com.
Bottom left-right:
Danny Maligro
Susy Bullard
Cheryl Beckley
Berni Haleamau
Top left to right:
Renee Kraft Co-Chair
Barbara Kossow Co Chair
Michelle Romo