‘Rain or shine’: Major events moving forward on Oahu despite Hurricane Nolo
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hurricane Nolo led to the cancellation of numerous events on Hawaii Island, but several major Oahu events are going ahead as planned.
Some of the events include the Honolulu Century Ride, the 78th annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade and the Boots ‘N’ Beers Country Music Festival.
Century Ride expect wind and maybe rain
The Ala Wai Clubhouse was packed Friday as riders from across the world gathered ahead of the ride from Kapiolani Park to Hawaii Kai and past Makapuu.
Organizers said they are expecting nearly 1,400 riders.
Those riders are prepared for the usual stiff winds, but organizers have warned everyone the course along the Kaiwi Coast may be windier than usual, along with rain.
“Yeah, our phones have been ringing. We’ve had so many storms this year and I think people are just really on edge because it’s so important to be prepared,” said Eduardo Hernandez with the Hawaii Bicycling League. “We’re telling riders to expect changing conditions; there could be varying conditions.”
Hernandez added that there have been some last-minute registrations.
“People are still registering, so they are not totally afraid of the weather,” he said.
Aloha Festivals to carry on in Waikiki
Organizers of the Aloha Festivals were a bit nervous about impacts from Hurricane Nolo, but are now more confident the weather will cooperate for the parade to go on Saturday along Kalakaua Avenue.
Participants put the final touches on their parade floats Friday as pau riders were finishing their adornments at the Hawaii Convention Center in Waikiki.
Read more: Aloha Festivals Floral Parade proceeds Saturday on Oahu despite Hurricane Nolo
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‘Rain or shine,’ Boots ‘N’ Beers to go on
The “Boots ‘N’ Beers” country music and craft beer festival is still happening Saturday night at the Bishop Museum.
Live country music and line dancing will take place from 4:30 to 10 p.m. on the great lawn.
Organizer Dita Holifield said she and other organizers have been paying close attention to the forecast.
“We’ve been following you guys on the news over the last couple of days we feel confident in the news reporting and the graphics you are showing and it’s showing the storm is going past honolulu so we’ve been monitoring (with) the Bishop Museum,” she said.
Holifield lives in Kaneohe, but over at the museum, there was a bit of sun, a little overcast and some sprinkles.
“Sprinkles don’t hurt no cowboy’s feelings,” she said. “We want our motto to be tomorrow, ‘Say no to Nolo.’ So get your umbrellas, come out don’t be afraid to enjoy the greatest live country music. We’ve got the bands from Nashville here, everybody’s here and we are going full steam ahead, rain or shine we want to see you there.”
Organizers for each event said they do understand conditions can change, and have contingency plans in case Nolo forces a change of plans.
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