46th Annual Makawao Paniolo Parade

"Friends and families gather Upcountry each year to celebrate the Fourth of July with a weekend filled with cowboys, cowgirls and country western festivities that make smalltown Maui so special. And what better place to celebrate than Makawao Town, with its rustic charm reminiscent of the old Hawaiiana days, a place many local folks are proud to call home." (Maui Weekly) 

Baldwin Avenue - the heart of Makawao Town (Makawao is pronounced mock'-ah-wow), 

the start of the parade route.

The parade kicks off with the kids' stick pony race. You can witness many riding styles here.

The leaders breaking away.

This little buckaroo is sporting a fine steed!

Strolling along in last place, the crowd erupted, cheering him on to finish, but the big fuss was just too intense. A few seconds after this, he dropped his little pony in the street and ran off into mom's arms.

It takes all kinds to watch a parade:

Tracy & Betsy in line at Komoda Bakery to get

"Donuts on a Stick"

Cars:

       

Horses & Riders:

Whoa, big fella!

Clowns

Hawaiian Slack Key guitar band rolling along on a flatbed trailer.

Pretty much anybody can be in the parade!

 "Rainbow Rentals" rents portable toilets and gives away free T.P. to those lucky enough to be in the front row.

Truly beautiful float near the end of the parade.

As the parade ended a rain squall came by and the crowd dispersed rather quickly.
In the background is the street sweeper truck bringing up the rear in cleanup mode.


It was a sweet little hometown parade and well worth the 10 minute drive from our house.
Fun from a photographer's point of view as well - such an abundant variety of subject matter.