MEDIA RELEASE

The Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association has announced the 19th Annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade will take place 6 p.m. Friday, July 4, starting at the Kekuaokalani Gym/Pool Complex on Kuakini Highway.

It will proceed south on Kuakini Highway, to Palani Road, to Alii Drive, and then south on Alii Drive to Walua Road just past Coconut Grove Marketplace.

Applications are available now at www.paradesinkona.com or at the Kona side Mayor’s office at the West Hawaii Civic Center. Applications also are available by contacting Chauna Reese at rcpreese@gmail.com or calling her at 313-0025.

The parade operates with an all-volunteer committee with the support of the Rotary Clubs of Kona.

The parade will be limited to around 65 entrants, with the deadline of June 24 (or sooner if capacity is reached).

All are welcome, whether neighborhood and community groups, nonprofit groups or commercial entries. The theme is “United As One!”

This year’s Grand Marshal will be the Hawaii National Guard.

Musical entries and floats of all kinds are encouraged, as well as lighted up entries. There will be multiple color guards and numerous members of our armed services as part of the parade.

Immediately following the parade, there will be a grand Fireworks Extravaganza over Kailua Bay, provided by Hawaii Pyrotechnics and Explosives, starting at 8 p.m.

Annually, the Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza are made possible owing to the generous support from local businesses and Foundations.

In addition, Hawaii County is providing funds from its fireworks sales fees. At this time, sponsors are needed for both the parade and the fireworks.

For information about sponsor opportunities, contact Barbara Kossow at the Mayor’s West Hawaii Office at 323-4448 or visit: www.paradesinkona.com