The Kailua-Kona Christmas Parade will honor kama’aina Barbara Kamilipua Nobriga as its Grand Marshal at the annual Christmas Parade, which is set for Saturday evening, December 15, at 5 p.m.
Nobriga is a longtime volunteer and supporter of a number of community efforts, including the 4-H Horse Club, Daughters of Hawaii, Kona Historical Society, King Kamehameha Day Parade, as well as restoration projects that include Hulihee Palace and Kamehameha III’s birthplace in Keauhou.
A longtime rancher and horsewoman, Nobriga is also one half of the only mother-daughter duo in the Paniolo Hall of Fame. Her mother, Kapua Huer, was inducted in 2000 and Barbara was inducted in 2004. Barbara is the fourth generation of her family to live and work on the family’s Mahealani Ranch in South Kona. Her exposure to ranching goes back to her grandmother, Noenoe Wall. Barbara has been celebrated for keeping the old ranching ways alive, speaking Hawaiian, and using and teaching the traditional techniques.
The parade is Saturday, December 15. The theme is “Let’s Be Jolly.” There will be around 70 entries in the parade, including the HELCO lighted Toys for Tots train, lots of keiki entries, ponies, dogs, and of course, Santa Claus. The 2011 parade had over 1900 participants.
The parade starts at 5 p.m. and goes from the Kona Kekuaokalani Gym by Old Airport and down along Ali’i Drive to Walua Road past Coconut Grove Marketplace. Those interested in entering the parade or finding out more may go to www.paradesinkona.com or you may call Chauna Reese at 325-5570.
