Parade returns after long absence
The return of Waimate’s Christmas parade on Saturday, after an absence of two decades, is down to a community fundraising effort, but not one that was done with the parade in mind.
Organiser Mandy Tangney said the idea of reviving the parade came about when the Waimate community fundraising group raised funds for some children needing insulin pumps, but it turned out the funds were no longer required as the public health system ended up funding the pumps.
‘‘We had the funds left over, so decided it was time to bring the Christmas parade back.
‘‘The event is about bringing memories back for the oldies, and creating new ones for the young ones,’’ she said.
The procession will start at St Patrick’s Basilica and travel down Queen St to Seddon Square, where there will be plenty of activities for children, she said. ‘‘It’s all about the kids. ‘‘It should be a great day out for them,’’ she said.
Some of the floats will showcase several of Waimate’s big annual events, including the Waimate 50 and Waimate Shears.
Led by the Waimate Highland Pipe Band, John Tangney will be driving his tree-topper down the street in a scene straight out of Mad Max, while Santa will be riding a trike and several other community groups have put floats together.
‘‘Father Christmas’’ said he had been preparing for the role by eating a lot of cookies.
‘‘I thoroughly enjoy doing it. I love the magic of Christmas,’’ he said.
‘‘There are a couple of kids who know who is wearing the costume, but I have sworn them to secrecy,’’ he said.
Asked about children’s wishes, Santa said: ‘‘A lot of the kids have really simple requests for Christmas, like time with family, the same as any of us want.’’
The parade begins at 11am today.