While thousands enjoyed the spectacle of Fourth of July fireworks shows last night, hundreds of firefighters fought to keep brushfires — many sparked by illegal fireworks — from spreading out of control.

As of 10:30 p.m. yesterday, the Honolulu Fire Department had responded to 36 fire calls, 22 of which were possibly sparked by fireworks play, said HFD Capt. Terry Seelig. Between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., firefighters fought 12 small brushfires.

Seelig said one key to successfully fighting the fires was a decision to add an extra man to all the department's off-road brush trucks and tanker trucks last night.

"It enhances our capability with hose and water and gives us a quicker response," Seelig said.

Firefighters were peppered with small brushfire calls starting about 8:30 p.m., especially along the Wai'anae Coast, where there were reports of people throwing fireworks at passing motorists in the area of Makaha Beach Park.

None of last night's brushfires had damaged property or caused injury as of 11 p.m. last night.

The day began under cloudy skies for the hundreds who turned out for Kailua's 61st annual Independence Day Parade, one of the largest in the state.

"This is Kailua's Super Bowl," said David Earles, immediate past president of the Kailua Chamber of Commerce, sponsor for this year's event. Rain or shine, "this is something people go to anyway." He added, "It's been around 61 years, so you don't miss it for a little bit of water."

The weather was the last thing on the minds of toddlers Mike and Max Smith. The 2-year-old identical twins kept their mother, Lisa, busy as they darted into the street, attempted to pet every passing dog, and spilled candy down matching red T-shirts that read, "It's my brother's fault."

"I get to sit on Daddy's shoulders," said Max, straining for a glimpse of an approaching police cavalcade.

"Each year, we like to watch the bands and the veterans," said the twins' father, Eric, as the Royal Hawaiian Band marched past.

Traveling coolers pulled by Relay for Life volunteers sold drinks to children wearing large, sequined Uncle Sam hats. Passing politicians took pictures with babies clutching miniature American flags. Families living along the route set up garage sales.

"It's a Norman Rockwell parade," said Jim Slavish, who has been the parade emcee since the '70s. "Everyone in the community gets together to help celebrate the Fourth."

And everyone did turn up — sitting yards deep in lawn chairs, biking lazily along the parade route, children and pets being pulled in red wagons or tucked into strollers.

Loud cheers greeted a contingent of Marines, followed by Lt. Gen. John F. Goodman, commanding general, Marine Corps Forces.

Kailua's way of celebrating freedom is full of laughter, cheering and smiles. "It's one of the best parades in the state," Slavish said. " 'Kailua the Beautiful,' that's what we're all about. It's a beautiful community."

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com and Caryn Kunz at ckunz1@honoluluadvertiser.com.