Keiki and their parents are invited to walk in the 38th annual Halloween in Lahaina Keiki Parade on Monday, Oct. 31. The procession down Front Street will start on Papalaua Street.

LAHAINA – Ready to celebrate Halloween? Join in the 38th annual Halloween in Lahaina Keiki Parade on Monday, Oct. 31.

This celebration is due to the dedication of Lahaina Rotary Clubs, Soroptimist International of West Maui, County of Maui and the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii.

Each year, the event grows just a little and more to host a grand and enduring keiki Halloween celebration.

The parade is one of the largest Halloween celebrations in the Pacific, and on Oct. 31, ghouls and goblins (along with their parents) are invited to walk in the parade, receive their customary Halloween treats and congratulatory ribbon, and partake in activities in Banyan Tree Park.

The parade moves along Front Street past the Wharf Cinema Center and ends at Banyan Tree Park. Once keiki arrive, they will walk across the stage to show off their costumes and provide parents an opportunity for pictures. 5A Rent-A-Space will offer cold water and ice for participants. LahainaTown Action Committee is the co-sponsor of the Halloween in Lahaina event.

Besides the hundreds of adorable children parading in full costume, the parade is enhanced by the entertainment courtesy of the Lahainaluna High School Band.

This is a free family-friendly event, and all are welcome. Keiki and families are invited to line up on the corner of Papalaua and Front streets at 4:15 p.m.

The parade will be led by Grand Marshals Richard and Pat Endsley. The couple opened the doors to the very successful Lahaina Complex After School Enrichment Tutoring Project in 2002.

When the Lahaina Halloween Keiki Parade Committee began the task to name grand marshals, the search was on for Lahaina residents who have helped children and the community. Pat and Richard are a perfect fit, as their program has helped well over 1,100 elementary and high school students improve in academics.

This year, the parade will also host Sixth District Sen. Roz Baker, who has served West and South Maui for 12 years; Lahaina bagpiper Paul Tangonan; Lahaina Fire Department; and many more.

The event is sponsored and organized by West Maui Soroptimists, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii and three Rotary Clubs: Rotary Club of Lahaina, Lahaina Sunrise and Lahaina Sunset.

The master of ceremonies, starting off the parade and on the stage for the past 37 years, will be Lahaina Rotarian Joe Pluta.

Front Street will be closed to vehicular traffic and parking from Baker to Prison streets from 3:30 p.m. to midnight on Oct. 31.

The sponsors encourage all who participate in costumes to be safe and have fun – keep in mind the tropical temperature and wear an appropriate mask for good vision.

For more information, contact West Maui Soroptimist Jill Holley at Jill@kidneyhi.org.