parade

December 16 2014

Waimanalo Christmas Parade 2014

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I’ll let you in on a little holiday secret. For all the Christmas parades that happen around Oahu, the Waimanalo Christmas parade is probably the most authentic and unique event of them all. It’s definitely not the biggest or flashiest nor are there local celebrities (except for an unexpected visit by Nainoa Thompson) walking the route. But you’ll see some interesting local kine sights.

The Waimanalo Feed Supply store is a marquee of the parade procession, and this year along with sweet treats, there were goodies for the canines on Santa’s Nice List.

Horseback riders strolling through the neighborhood community? Only in ‘Nalo.

The fans and the families lined Kalanianaole Highway ready for the show.

The Kailua High School marching band led the way.

But not to worry, order was maintained with the presence of the Bellows Air Force Station security forces. No matter if their vehicles were “holidazzled.”

Who else was out there watching the show? The kupuna, the dogs, a pig, a drone, kids, custom bike riders, new families, and let’s not forget the amped up golf carts.

You just don’t see hats like this anymore…

Although the clouds drizzled down occasional Hawaiian snow, the event was mostly dry unless you were by these guys.

Waimanalo is as Waimanalo is, and there are tractors and trailers, and the Research Station is still going strong.

But they may have been distracted by the offer of lilikoi butter!

Smiles all around.

Then the rolling thunder of the big rigs.

Horns don’t get tired I guess. My personal favorite had to be this crew.

Yeah you!

Brought to you by Ride Safe Hawaii.

Just don’t mind that most of the riders are not wearing protective safety gear. This is the way of Waimanalo.

Santa’s elves roll in these semis I think.

See, there’s one now driving this massive truck with bystanders and kids lining the roadway, just a few feet on each side.

Hydroseeding provided the live music welcoming Santa Claus himself.

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas compliments of Waimanalo!

Check out even more pictures from the Waimanalo Christmas Parade 2014.

December 8 2013

Meeting Gregg Hammer

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Talk about getting Hammer’d for real kine. There I was watching the Honolulu City Light Parade when I heard that voice. Was that Aunty Mildred? Wayne Anzaki? Joe Souki? Yes, yes, and yes as Gregg Hammer, Davey D, and a KRTR 96.3 parade entourage rolled down King Street then promptly stalled.

I don’t know why, but the entire parade stopped in place for at least 5 minutes. During this dead air time, Gregg and Davey entertained the crowd telling jokes, poking fun at their sister station’s blown out sound system, and encouraging parade watchers to do the wave. As Mr. Hammer talked to the crowd, he noticed me filming and taking pics.

Meeting Gregg Hammer from Gee Why on Vimeo.

Talk about honored! Even in the dim lights of the parade, Gregg was able to spot and recognize me standing over on the sidewalk. He acknowledged me as “the blogger” and came over to shake my hand. Awestruck! We chatted a bit and took this pic (otherwise it never happened, right?).

Thanks Gregg! What an amazingly memorable way to meet in real life. No bah humbug here. 🙂

December 9 2012

Waimanalo Christmas Parade 2012

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Waimanalo has its own unique community no more evident than in its annual Christmas Parade. It was my first time attending this parade (I didn’t know it existed before this), and I got to see a good, old parade reminiscent of small kid time.

Luckily, our family was guests on the float sponsored by Waimanalo Feed Supply. This float may have been the pinnacle of the parade featuring a decked out flatbed truck with a Christmas tree, enthusiastic riders, and three sheep enjoying the festivities.

The parade had an early 9am start time kicked off by Grand Marshall Eric Bunyan. Then came a caravan of some most interesting vehicles. There were bikers from the Yokozuna Riders.

Windward politicians, Ikaika Anderson, Chris Lee, and Laura Thielen walked the route and passed out candy.

Then came muscle cars, vintage cars, and even a homemade barstool “car.”

Yes, Miss Hawaii Filipina was there.

These golf carts are outrageous!

But not to be outdone, there was a speed boat.

In the heat and humidity, the seniors had it right, riding a covered trolley.

Nothing says Christmas like a dune buggy and an off-roading truck.

Here’s the full length view of the Waimanalo Feed Supply float with sheep in tow.

The Royal Hawaiian Movers were out in full force, each truck blaring its horns.

Did I mention the candy? Remember back in the day when paraders would let fly the candy? Now, it’s all handing it gently to the bystanders… except in `Nalo. This community harkens back and still lets the candy sail through the air. And lots of it. Lots. Each vehicle unleashed an arsenal of sweets. Just check out the stash in this truck’s cabin.