NZ’s biggest Xmas parade back afloat
It’s only November, but Christmas elves are already busy, putting the final touches to the floats and costumes for the Farmers Santa Parade this weekend.
The famous Auckland parade is back for its 89th edition tomorrow after two years of cancellations due to heavy Covid-19 restrictions.
Farmers first put on the parade in 1934 as a gift of fantasy and fun for the children of Auckland.
Still being held nearly 90 years on, tomorrow’s festivities start at
1pm on Mayoral Drive, with floats and performers heading down Queen St before finishing on Customs St East.
New Zealand’s most successful Olympian, Dame Lisa Carrington, will lead the parade as the grand marshal and the day will end with Santa’s party in Aotea Square, from
2.30pm until 5pm.
People are advised to get into the city before 11am to avoid frustration with traffic and parking, with all inner-city roads around the route closed between 11am and 5pm.
A “blue honour” line will be painted along the route, with police asking spectators to stay behind it for safety while watching the parade.
The parade has been out of action since 2019, and organisers are taking no chances, setting a postponement date for Sunday, December 4, in the event of bad weather this weekend.
So far, MetService is forecasting rain in the morning, easing to a few afternoon showers, with fine breaks.
Any postponement announcement will be made on the parade’s website and Facebook page by 8am tomorrow.
Farmers will holding a preparade gold-coin collection from noon for Paralympics New Zealand.