Turnkey residents prepare for annual New Year’s Eve parade

Preparations are ongoing at the Turnkey-Koblerville Community Association, as it vowed to make New Year’s Eve a colorful celebration for its residents through its annual “Santa’s Parade and Fireworks Display.”

Association leader Jack Muna said the event would live up to the spirit of giving during the Yuletide season, with group members busy preparing gifts for fellow Turnkey residents who have disabilities.

On Dec. 31, the parade will kickoff at the Muna’s residence at No. 521 Ahu Drive around 8:30pm and will proceed to As Gonno Road and Atmayas Street, and will end back at the Ahu Drive.

The Marching Band and the Chinese Lion Dancers will make the event even more festive, said Muna. “In addition, parade participants with their vehicles will have the opportunity to compete in the parade contest for best Christmas and New Year’s presentation. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.”

“During the parade, Santa and his reindeer sleigh will be ringing bells and tossing candies to everyone along the road. For families living at the loop area, you are advised to move to the main road to get a better view of Santa Claus who would be giving away candies,” said Muna.

A 45-minute fireworks display will greet the New Year beginning 12 midnight.

Muna and his wife Cathy started the event on Dec. 31, 1999, which has now become an annual tradition in Turnkey. In 2003, some 100 stockings full of goodies were given to children.

Muna disclosed that they finance the event with their personal money and donations from their friends and local businesses. This year, Muna expects the event to become even bigger, with the creation of the residents’ association.

Muna urged Turnkey residents who have family members with disabilities to contact him at 287-7862, or Cathy at 288-9135, so that Santa Claus could personally deliver gifts to those residents. Muna assured that any information provided to them about the persons with disabilities would be kept confidential.

“We are confident that this year’s parade will be bigger and better, and will bring lots of excitement, joy and happiness to everyone,” Muna said. “We care about our community, and we will continue to share the holiday spirit, bring more holiday cheers, happiness, and promote peace.”