LIHU‘E — Hundreds of people turned out on Saturday to experience the treatment of breezy trade winds on the sixth annual Pride Parade and festival in Lihu‘e.
The breezy trades brought banners and balloon fireworks to life, including the latest addition to the parade, The Garden Island Flaggers that featured the World History Day winner, Alina Evanoff, wielding her flag that was just right for the breezes.
“Some of the flags are too small for this wind,” said Alina’s dad, George Evanoff, who joined Alina in flag waving at the festival that followed the parade that featured more than two dozen sponsors. That included Na Pali Coasters, whose multi-level float with Roller Derby aliens dispersed smoke that quickly dissipated in the wind.
More than two dozen floats and walking units paraded along Rice Street from Ho‘olako Road to Umi Street dispersing a wealth of bling and swag, including the familiar rainbow lei and rainbow-hued wristbands.
“I was there,” said MJ Akuna of the YWCA of Kaua‘i. “We’re not the title sponsor of the parade, but we play an important supporting role.”
The YWCA of Kaua‘i is partnering with Moms Demand Action Hawai‘i Chapter for the Wear Orange weekend, when the YWCA has agreed to light up its building orange for the entire weekend of June 7-9, said Faith Harding of Moms Demand Action Kaua‘i.
The Wear Orange campaign honors survivors and builds community with people working to end gun violence. It is observed every June.
The tradition started when Hadiya Pendleton marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade in 2013. A week later, Pendleton was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago.
Following the tragedy, Pendleton’s friends commemorated her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the forests to protect themselves and others.
