Turnkey-Koblerville residents continue with holiday tradition

Residents of Turnkey in Koblerville continue with their holiday tradition by celebrating Dec. 31 with the annual “Santa’s Parade and Fireworks Display.”

The Turnkey-Koblerville Community Association said Santa Claus would be giving gifts to fellow residents who have disabilities to bring holiday cheers to those people.

Association leader Jack Muna said the group has begun distributing flyers to Turnkey residents about the event.

“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,” Muna said.

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

Muna said the 45-minute fireworks display would greet the New Year and would start at 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.

“This year, my wife and I will have additional attraction to the parade [by including] the Marching Band and Chinese Lion Dancers. In addition, parade participants with their vehicles will have the opportunity to compete in the parade contest for best Christmas & New Year’s presentation. Prizes will be awarded to the winners,” Muna said.

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.” (John Ravelo)