SANTAN IN THE CITY
City's Christmas parade takes over The square
‘‘It makes an amazing difference when the sun shines.’’ Carol Kelly, parade organiser
The Christmas season began in Palmerston North with a weekend of markets and events topped off by the biggest Santa parade in several years.
Some 60 floats took about 40 minutes to travel down Church St, around The Square and back down Main St, with the Pipes and Drums of Palmerston North and Districts leading Father Christmas as the finale yesterday.
As well as the parade, there was Christmas at Farnham Park on Friday night, the Manawatu Craft and Food Fair at Barber Hall on Saturday, the Christmas Tree lighting and family concert in The Square on Saturday night, and the Red Cross Christmas fair yesterday.
Parade organiser, for the Kairanga Lions Club, Carol Kelly was delighted with the difference the sunshine and warmth made to the enjoyment of the day and made the tinsel sparkle.
The last three Christmas parades in the city have been dampened by wet or grey days.
‘‘It makes an amazing difference when the sun shines.’’
Kelly said the parade had reached its full potential for its size, with entries limited to 60 floats, but nobody had to be turned away.
Cr Rachel Bowen, children and families portfolio holder, made it to most of the events.
She was on the Square Edge Community Arts float and from her perch, thought there were more people watching than ever.
‘‘There were a lot of participants, and at least for the first half of the route, the crowd was about five people deep.’’
The award for best community float went to Samba ao Venta, which appeared near the front of the parade with tambourines and drums audible well before they arrived.
Best in the schools and education section was Palmerston North Playcentre’s display, packed with people.
The best business float was Lots of Hugs Childcare Centre, featuring a green-tinted Father Christmas theme.
Kelly said the entries were judged as much on the level of participation as decoration.