Pageant players ready to roll

WITH their bikes decked out in tinsel and reindeer antlers, Harry and Max Hoare are just two of the thousands of participants in this year’s Hobart Christmas Pageant.

The 37th pageant, to take place around Hobart’s CBD on Saturday, will see many riders from the Southern BMX Club help usher in the festive season. They will be joined by a champion penny farthing cyclist, stilt jumpers and eclectic bicycle artists — with 2000 participants from more than 60 entries expected this year. About 30,000 people are expected to line the city’s streets for the event, which will include 14 new entries.

Community, Culture and Events Committee chairman Alderman Bill Harvey said the council was pleased that schools, cultural groups, churches and businesses were participating because that reinforced the pageant’s local community feel.

The parade will start at 10.30am from Liverpool St and finish in Collins St by noon. There will be free parking in the city‘s car parks, at the Regatta Grounds and CBD parking metres. Information at www.hobartcity.com.au.