(ABOVE VIDEO) Footage from David Corrigan, the Hawaii Army National Guard, Hawaii County, and Baron Sekiya of Hawaii247.com. Voice of Sherry Bracken.

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The volcano may be threatening from upslope, but the town of Pahoa still managed to hold a celebratory holiday parade on Saturday. Just a few weeks ago, the lava flow had nearly reached Pahoa Village Road, which was closed between Apa’a Street and the Post Office as emergency officials prepared for the worst. But that flow front stalled, buying time for Puna’s popular town center. Officials eventually decided to re-open the road, just in time for Thanksgiving. Main Street Pahoa went ahead with their plan for the annual parade – known across Hawaii as one of most eclectic in the islands – and also a ho’olaulea on the same day.

This year’s Grand Marshall was Mayor Billy Kenoi. This year’s theme was “Pahoa, Center of the Punaverse”. The event was a sure sign that Pahoa intends to maintain economic vitality for as long as possible, even as the lava advances towards the town with no signs of stopping.