City and County of Honolulu News Releases

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MAYOR CARLISLE INVITES ALL TO JULY 3 CELEBRATION PARADE   (Wed., June 29, 2011)—Mayor Peter Carlisle invites everyone to Waikiki this Sunday, July 3rd for the city's inaugural Celebration Parade for America's July 4 birthday, and to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Royal Hawaiian Band and honor our military veterans and service members.   The parade will begin at Fort DeRussy at 6:00 pm on Sunday and will proceed down Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiolani Park. Kalakaua Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic at 5:30 pm. The parade will be followed by a Sunset on the Beach celebration at Queen's Surf Beach, featuring the new film "Soul Surfer," the inspiring true story of Hawaii teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who will join the parade along with actress AnnaSophia Robb, who portrays Hamilton in the film.   The Royal Hawaiian Band, a City and County of Honolulu treasure led by Bandmaster Clarke Bright, is a unique and cherished community institution, the only band in the United States with a royal legacy, and the nation's only full-time municipal band. Founded in 1836 by King Kamehameha III, the band helps preserve the Hawaiian musical culture and inspire young musicians by celebrating Hawaii's heritage and entertaining our diverse mix of residents and visitors.    The parade will also sincerely thank and honor our veterans and service members for their hard work and tremendous sacrifices in defense of our nation. Mayor Carlisle wants to especially honor and welcome home the many service men and women who have returned from tours of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere abroad.   The parade will include more than 60 entries, including the Honolulu Police and Fire departments, Hawaii Air National Guard "Royal Guard," Hawaii Maoli, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, Girl Scouts of Hawaii, the 111th Army Band, the Hanayagi Dance Academy, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and Hawaiian Heat All-Star Chearleading. Special guests will include Kantorei, the Singing Boys of Rockford, Illinois.   The parade is being sponsored by the City, the Waikiki Improvement Association, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Royal Hawaiian Center, and Aston Hotels and Resorts.   -30-   Media contact: Louise Kim McCoy, Mayor's Office, 768-7798.