Float parade ends Heilala Pageant [1]
Monday, July 13, 2015 - 16:43. Updated on Friday, July 17, 2015 - 18:09.
Photos by Linny Folau and Peter Poulsen.
A float parade held on Saturday morning 11 July, led by the new Miss Heilala Brittne Fuimaono (21) riding on a convertible, concluded the Miss Heilala Pageant 2015.
The small parade that began from Teufaiva Outdoor Stadium and went through the Nuku’alofa CBD to the domestic wharf on Vuna Road was not as vibrant and colourful as previous years. This is because it had just a few of the 13 contestants joining. The five girls who appeared in the parade were Miss ‘Unuaki ‘o Tonga Jessie Malupo, Miss Appraxus New Zealand Lavinia Finau, Miss Hengihengi 'a Tonga Seini Kengike, Miss Lady Maria Australia Velonika Maletatola and Miss Melie Mei Langi Soana Savou.
Miss Heilala first runner up Miss Malo e Lelei Travel Lina Po’oi whose float was late, joined the parade when they got to the waterfront while the rest of the contestants did not take part. The girls had fun at the wharf where a body builder showed his strength by lifting each one off the floats and carrying them to the seating area, where speeches were made by the organisers
The parade also featured the local Chinese community, the United States Peace Corps volunteers, Palu Aviation and other local businessess.
The new Miss Heilala 2015 was crowned during a ball that went on past midnight on Friday night, 10 July at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.