Photos by Linny Folau

One of the colourful events to celebrate the birthday of HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka was a float parade along Hala Taufa'ahau and Hala Vuna yesterday morning, July 12.

The float parade was lead by the Miss Heilala 2007-08 Tessie Toluta'u and the former Miss Heilala 2006-07 Sina Nauahi. This is the second year in a row that the Miss Heilala title was won by an entrant from Hawaii - where both beauties were Miss Tonga USA.

The creative and culturally decorated floats for the nine contestants, were sponsored by business enterprises, and private organizations. There was a performance by Japanese volunteers, and, of course, the macho body builders from the Teufaiva Stadium, and church youths from various denominations in Tonga.

The floats were judged in two categories, the Business Category, and the Cultural Category. The Business Category was won by the float of the Miss Talk Pasifika, and the Culture Category was won by the float of the Miss Ministry of Tourism.

The Parade also featured high school brass bands from Liahona High School, Tonga High School and Tupou College.

The Float Parade also concluded the week-long Miss Heilala Pageant.