Christmas parade convener’s last hurrah after 25 years
THE Tapanui Christmas Parade will mark a double anniversary today.
The annual West Otago fiesta celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, and longstanding parade convener Charlie Davis will be guestofhonour as he steps down after his 25th year at the helm.
Mr Davies recalled his inaugural parade as something of a blur.
‘‘We used to have a West Otago Vintage Cluborganised machinery parade from Heriot to Tapanui, and this particular year [1992] the DB draught horses asked if they could come down and join the fun in Tapanui. Well, we said yes and put the idea of a more general Christmas parade out there to the community, and we got a hell of a response,’’ he said.
He and three fellow club members put their hands up to organise affairs, but got more than they initially bargained for, he said.
‘‘Four of us organising with eight days to get it all in order, and we received applications from about 60odd groups and floats.’’
Mr Davies said despite the unexpected oversubscription, the inaugural parade had ‘‘gone off OK’’, and since that time had almost ‘‘run itself’’.
‘‘We soon realised that chasing people made no difference whatsoever, so then and now we just set a date and put it out there, issue a general invitation for everybody to participate, and that’s as far as the job goes. It’s quite easy, really.’’
As in past years, the 2018 parade would run in parallel with a street party of live music and a local Lions Club barbecue.
A familiar man in red was also expected to make an appearance.
‘‘We try and have a different means of transport for Santa each year, and make sure he’s travelling in style.’’
Although Mr Davies was content to leave organisational duties to others in future, he would miss the excitement of the district’s younger residents, who once again this year would dress up for a seasonal fancy dress competition.
‘‘Christmas is all about the children, isn’t it? For me, that’s what’s been wonderful about being a part of this tradition.’’
The Tapanui Christmas Parade is on tonight from 6pm.