MEDIA RELEASE
Two Waimea keiki – Jessica Guilloz and Cheyenne Hoopai – have been bravely facing serious medical challenges with the support of their ohana and many more in the community. Their personal health battles have awakened many to how precious every child is and how many face huge obstacles.
This, said Lani Olsen-Chong — co-chairwoman of the 51st Annual Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade and Lokahi Giving Tree Project – is the reason the parade committee chose this year’s theme – “Embracing Our Children” – and it’s a message that will run throughout parade day and throughout the next few weeks as community families and friends join hands to be sure no one is left behind this holiday season.
Parade day – Saturday, Dec. 3 – will begin bright and early with activities all around town including two farmers markets, three giant craft fairs (KTA’s Waimea Center, Parker Ranch Center and Thelma Parker Gym), sales at all three of Waimea thrift shops (St. James, Waimea Elementary’s new shop and Mama’s House), and more.
For many, the highlight of the day will be the 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Upcountry Fair at KTA’s Waimea Center where literally dozens of musicians, singers and dancers are volunteering their time and talent to celebrate the coming holidays and to encourage community friends to give generously to this year’s Lokahi Giving Tree Project.
The music will begin at 10 a.m. with emcee Penny Kelii Vredenburg introducing the sassy new Hawaiian quartet, Aoia!, followed by the Beamer-Solomon Halau o Poohala, the Honokaa Jazz Ensemble, Waimea’s amazing blind student-musician Kuhao Kawaauhau-Case, and Kevin Haleamau.
Everyone is invited to bring a donation – small or large – grab a bite to eat and enjoy the free entertainment.
Suggested donations are “absolute necessities” such as baby diapers, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bath soap, laundry detergent, feminine products, rice, non-perishable foods (especially proteins such as Spam & tuna), or gift cards from KTA, Foodland, local farmers markets, gas stations, Costco, Walmart or Target. Or, families, churches, businesses and clubs are encouraged to consider adopting a Lokahi family.
There are many other ways to participate in the Lokahi Giving Tree project – on parade day and throughout coming weeks.
Food donations will be accepted at the all-day “made-in-Hawaii” crafts fair at Thelma Parker Gym, and in coming days, “Charlie Brownish” Lokahi Giving Trees will pop up in shops, restaurants and churches around Waimea with little shopping lists for customers to take and bring back with a donation.
The list of participating businesses is growing daily and includes Kamuela Liquor Store, Hawaiian Style Cafe, Lilikoi Cafe, Blockbuster in PRC, C&S Outfitters, Super Cuts-Waimea, and St. James Episcopal Church.
Also, a temporary Lokahi Giving Tree storefront will open Dec. 3 in Parker Ranch Center next to Village Burgers and will remain open when volunteers area available to accept donations up until Christmas Eve.
Then, as dusk approaches and families and friends line up along the route to enjoy Waimea’s famous twilight parade including a deliciously noisy convoy of lighted trucks, school groups from throughout the community will set up food concessions to provide warm treats.
Each of these concessions are contributing a share of their proceeds with the Lokahi Giving Tree project – and no booths are permitted without prior approval of the parade committee for this reason.
Also new this year – every parade unit is asked to make a donation at the start of the parade – and also, just before the first units begin marching through town, a Lokahi Bucket Brigade of volunteers will walk the parade route – to make it easy for all to make a small donation.
To volunteer to join the Bucket Brigade, call Lani Olsen-Chong at 936-0670.
All donations of cash, gift items or gift cards will stay on this island; also, donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
PARADE TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Waimea’s 51st Annual Christmas Twilight Parade will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. and Mamalahoa Highway through the heart of Waimea town will be closed to all except emergency vehicles. Plan ahead and expect delays.
SAFETY: Please watch keiki carefully throughout the parade and please stay on the curb – emergency vehicles may need to pass. No candy throwing. Please don’t park on landscaped areas at hospital & shopping centers, pick up rubbish and no tents on private property.
NARRATOR STATIONS: Keck, Ace, Burger King, Radio Shack, Waimea Community Education, Bank of Hawaii, Shell Gas Station and Parker School.
SANTA: Yes, he’s coming to town in time to ride once again in a place of honor in the parade on a magical float created by the staff and families of North Hawaii Community Hospital.
And immediately after the parade, he will mosey over to Parker Ranch Center’s Food Court to visit with keiki for picture-taking 7-8 p.m. There is no charge for keiki to visit with Santa but if photos are taken, a donation is suggested to Waimea Lions Club and North Hawaii Hospice volunteers who are coordinating this.
For parade information, call Lani Olsen-Chong (936-0670) or Kalae Kawamura (936-4376). Or, to adopt a family, or to organize a toy or food drive, or to otherwise offer help and seek help, call Rhonda Bell (880-1984) or Nancy Carr Smith (896-2239).
— Find out more:
www.WaimeaTown.org
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