Merrie Monarch Parade

April 18, 2009

The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station participated in the annual Merrie Monarch Parade in beautiful downtown Hilo on Saturday, April l8th.   Approximately 40 people festively marched through the crowded Hilo streets representing the Mauna Kea Observatories.  We also had a float this year adorned with several banners and two dobsonian telescopes provided by the VIS and Shawn Laatsch.  Handing out Starbursts, Milky Ways, and StarBright Mints for the VIS were volunteers Dayana Cardoso, Amy Kolb, Robert Albarran, Philip Ozer, Frosty Hughes, Anil Dosaj, Forest Bremer, Terry Thomas, Nanea Thomas, Kupa’a Thomas, Kauila Thomas, and Volunteer Coordinator, Callie McNew.  It was also great to see past Mauna Kea VIS employees, Koa Ell and Kimo Pihana, leading the way for our Mauna Kea group.  Many thanks to Shawn Laatsch and Kumiko Usada for their contributions in organizing the float, and for Terry Thomas and family for coming out to decorate the day before!  A great day that many of us won’t soon forget, as we have the sunburns to remind us!

        

    Mahalo to Terry and family for bringing the foliage that                         Most of the VIS representatives getting ready to march!

made the Mauna Kea float beautiful!  Photo by Kumiko Usuda.

 

         
   Mauna Kea Volunteers Dayana Cardoso and Amy Kolb.                     The Mauna Kea representatives gather before the parade.

  Volunteers Terry Thomas and Frosty Hughes seen on the                   Volunteer Coordinator, Callie McNew, and volunteer, Dayana

float bearing the Mauna Kea VIS banner and dobsonian telescope.                         Cardoso, are starry-eyed over all the fun!