More than 70 entries strolled Saturday evening along Alii Drive, celebrating the holiday season. Members of the Kanuha family served as parade marshals.

The Kailua-Kona Community Christmas Parade Committee has announced the award winners for the 26th annual Christmas Parade.

Parade chairwoman Barbara Kossow said 72 entries and more than 1,600 individuals marching in Saturday’s parade, and thousands lining the streets to watch.

Nonprofit award winners will receive small cash awards and all winners receive certificate or plaques that may be picked up at the West side mayor’s office at Hanama Place, next to Big Island Grill, starting the week of Dec. 20.

The Parade Committee thanks the generous sponsors for making the awards and the parade possible, and thanks the dozens of volunteers, all the entrants for their hard work and excellent results, and those attending for helping make the 20010 Christmas Parade a great event.

2010 Christmas Parade Awardees

Non-profit/Community entries:

Floats:
First: Knights of Columbus
Second: Kona Christian Church
Third: Hawaii Fishing and Boating

Marching:
First: Japanese Social Club of Kona
Second: Operation Christmas Child
Third: Hawaii Island Humane Society

Keiki:
First: Hoopa Hawaii Volleyball Club
Second: Kai Ehitu Ohana / Kumitete Ohana
Third: 4-H Federation

Best Christmas Spirit:
First: Lanihau Shopping Center
Second: Kona Home Depot
Third: Royal Hawaiian Movers

Best School Award:
Kealakehe Elementary JPOs

Crowd Pleaser:
Hoopa Hawaii Volleyball Club

Best Music:
Kahikolu Congregational Church

Best Lights:
West Hawaii Concrete

— Hawaii 24/7 photography by Karin Stanton

Instead of handing out candy, the Busy Bee Buddies, Twinkling Stars, Aloha Kids, and Aloha Angels 4-H clubs handed out children's books to keiki along the parade route. (Photo courtesy of Margaret Masunaga)