HONOLULU – The Aloha Festivals floral parade will march on, at least for this year, according to a news release from festival organizers. The parade will be held on Sept. 13.

It was in jeopardy of being canceled, but an outpouring of kokua from local businesses and organizations has ensured that the parade will continue this year and remain a vital part of one of Hawai'i's best-known cultural celebrations, according to the news release.

"We are extremely grateful for all the aloha we have received. Thanks to the efforts of our many friends and partners in the community, we will be able to continue the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade as planned," said Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, president of Aloha Festivals' executive board.

The Hawaii Jaycees put together a "Save the Parade" campaign that included both person-to-person fundraising efforts by its members and the creation of a fundraising Web site. Victor Punua Sr., an emeritus Aloha Festivals board member, also made a generous personal donation. Contributions by the City & County of Honolulu, Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association, NCL America, Hilton Grand Vacations, Anthology Marketing Group and Milici Valenti Ng Pack Advertising ensured that enough funds were raised.

"We also feel that it is important to recognize the continued support of all of our sponsors and the Hawai'i Tourism Authority. Aloha Festivals would not be possible without their financial support," said Nakanelua-Richards.

"The Aloha Festivals is a wonderful event for Hawai'i's families, so we were happy to help raise funds to continue one of the most popular aspects of the celebration," said Hawaii Jaycees President Patrick Tomiyasu. "The Hawaii Jaycees helped create the Aloha Festivals over 60 years ago, so the histories of our two organizations are connected. It made sense for us to help continue this long-running tradition for future generations of kama'aina and visitors."

While Aloha Festivals has raised enough funds to hold this year's events, it still needs the long-term support of the community through its on-going fundraising efforts.

Individuals who want to help support Aloha Festivals can purchase a ribbon for $5 starting Aug. 1. The iconic ribbon has a design that reflects this year's theme. All proceeds are used to continue the Aloha Festivals tradition in our community. In addition, interested nonprofit organizations can sell ribbons as a fundraiser in support of their own projects as well as Aloha Festivals.

The theme of this year's Aloha Festivals is "Hula, The Art of Hawaiian Dance," celebrating hula and presenting Hawai'i's history and culture through this unique art form. This year, as part of an effort to sharpen the focus of this annual celebration, Aloha Festivals will take place only on O'ahu, Sept. 11-13.