Crowds will flock for festive floats

If past years are anything to go by then thousands of excited children and their families are sure to line the central streets of Feilding for the town’s annual dose of Christmas cheer.

Feilding’s Christmas parade has more than 80 floats making the long march from Manfeild to the clock tower and more than 80 stalls lining the streets on Sunday.

For the peckish, there will be plenty of lollies thrown from the floats, although few will be likely to make it to the back rows. There will also be a food court where the Friday farmer’s market is usually homed in Manchester Square.

Feilding and District Promotion project manager Raewyn Loader said there are plenty of Manawatu artists, magicians and dance groups to keep everyone wearing a smile.

‘‘There are stalls and live entertainment from 10am to 4pm all around Manchester Square and the CBD,’’ she said.

‘‘The parade starts at 2pm from Manfeild Park, goes along Fergusson Street, up Stafford Street, along Kimbolton Road and back to Manfeild Park.

‘‘We’re going to do activities for kids that don’t require money so everyone can enjoy it. There will be two stages, so the children will have entertainment all day from their stage outside Murray’s Irish Bar.’’

The main stage will be at the

"There will be two stages, so the children will have entertainment all day from their stage outside Murray's Irish Bar." Raewyn Loader

clock tower on Manchester Square, where the Urban Movement Dance Group and Lytton St School will be the major attractions.

Terminally ill 10-year-old Brennagh Mckay and her family said they would be setting up camp in a stall to attract donations for her toy drive for children spending Christmas in hospital.

Loader said the parade was something the wider township looked forward to.

‘‘It’s really good community spirit and it’s good to see everyone out because it doesn’t happen much. Let’s just hope the weather plays its part.’’

Float registrations are accepted on the day.