MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Children dreaming of a Hawaiian white Christmas got their wish with a special delivery to the 3rd Marine Regiment holiday party at Hangar 101, Dec. 13, 2012.
The annual party featured more than 15 tons of manmade snow for attendees to enjoy. Tactical vehicle rides and trips through inflatable fun houses were also available at the party, but the snow continued to draw crowds well after a tropical sunset.
“We’re one of the only parties on the island with snow,” said Ed Hanlon, family readiness officer, 3rd Marine Regiment. “I’m a bit thin-blooded, but I love snow in small doses like this.”
Besides playing in the snow, attendees could also get their faces painted, visit with Santa and try their luck at several game booths available for children.
But the cool treat beckoned to all who passed the hangar doors, in icy heaps big enough to sit on or climb up. Marines from the regiment were on hand, helping the younger children safely enjoy the tons of snow. The holiday wonder is annually provided by Outrigger Enterprises, who arrange to have thick blocks of ice shaved down and delivered by truck.
"It’s pretty cool having snow in Hawaii,” said 12-year-old Preston Knight, who played in the snow with his family. “My first thought when I saw that pile of snow was, ‘Whoa, that’s a lot of snow!’”
He and his two siblings, Makayla and Braiden, once enjoyed snowball fights during an icy Virginia winter. But the siblings said having snowball fights in Hawaii is a rare treat.
Preston said his favorite snow activity is usually sledding, but his family still had fun on this tropical snow hill without a sled. Preston and Braiden took turns pelting each other with the fluffy snow, breaking down bigger pieces to compress into snowball ammunition.
Parents and children alike shared in the party’s cool holiday gift.
Sgt. Jesse Stevenson, amphibious assault vehicle operator, Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marines, and his two children snuck around the heaps to catch each other with a snowball.
Iolana Nuzzo, 7, wore warm mittens, boots and a sweater to enjoy the fluffy white flakes. She said the Hawaii snow was unlike any other type she’s encountered.
“I was trying to ski down,” she said. “I’ve done it before, but in more icy snow.”
The party’s snow was the first flurry of winter for many children, including Staff Sgt. Roger Ruiz’s 3-year-old daughter. Ruiz’s daughter investigated the pile curiously with the tip of her rubber clog, while standing at the base of the heap.
“It’s awesome,” said the elder Ruiz, who is the mess chief for 3rd Marines. “This is great for her because she’s spent almost her whole life without snow. This is her third Christmas and the first time it’s been with snow.”
Both Stevenson and Ruiz said they appreciated the opportunity to share their love of snow with their children. Stevenson, who has previously sledded with his son and built snowmen with him in natural snow, said he was glad he could share the joys of snow with his daughter, who had never seen snow until the party.
For children the day was merry and bright, proving even in Hawaii their Christmases could be white.