Photos: Parade of Lights 2012

The faces of hundreds of keiki and ohana lining Ala Malama Avenue lit up as lavishly decorated Christmas-themed floats and marching teams paraded past last Saturday night. The Molokai Island Foundation’s fifth annual Parade of Lights featured 13 floats and eight marching units this year, including entries from Friendly Market, Monsanto, and other local businesses. Just a few of this year’s favorites included Rudolph the reindeer school bus, Poinsettia hula dancers, the Grinch and of course, Santa Claus.

Families and local organizations dedicated hours to designing and decorating their floats in hopes of winning this year’s contest. The Grinch and Whoville float, representing the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, took home the grand prize of $700. Following them was Rapanot Construction’s hunting-themed display, and Dudoit’s Bus Service float — featuring Poinsettia hula dancers — came in third.

The Pali PaHapu Ohana took home the $300 prize for first place in the marching unit contest, followed by All-for-One Ministry, UH-Maui College Molokai Education Center and Red Cross.

After the parade, festivities continued with a Ho`olaulea at Mitchell Pauole Center. As judges examined the floats parked on the lawn outside, residents enjoyed food, music, Christmas contests and all-around merriment. Christmas trees of all sizes and shapes were lined up for judging. First place went to Keola No Na Kupuna, followed by Hale Mahaolu Home Pumehana and then Molokai Arts Center.

The Christmas Dessert contest is also a favorite each year, featuring delicious seasonal treats. This year, Frank Kaahanui took home the $100 first place prize with his ulu, or breadfruit, roll. Dudoit Ohana’s three-tiered cupcakes came in second, followed by Lian Gonzales’ chocolate truffles.