Community
One of Invercargill’s most popular Christmas traditions is back this Saturday, and the crowd is expected to be just as lively as always.
Santa Parade organisers are busy getting ready for the big event, as well as a family Gala afternoon to follow from 2:30pm on Gala Street reserve.
The original 3km circuit around the city with floats and entertainers is back, but the event starts an hour earlier at 1pm, assembling on Gala Street, where a static display would follow the parade.
The parade will also be followed by an afternoon of family activities in the reserve, including buskers and young stallholders from the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) selling their wares.
Event manager Alice Pottinger said the focus this year with the Gala afternoon event, was on youth and students, helping them to skill up and learn new things.
Three to four entertainers would also be part of the lineup, and organisers were hoping the weather gods looked after them – with Sunday as postponement day if needed.
Special guest Black Fern Amy du Plessis is also making an appearance in the parade as part of the rugby float this year.
The Southland Christmas Parade Charitable Trust first held the event back in 1999, and has in the past attracted a crowd of between 17,000 and 20,000 people.
Alice said she had a wonderful group of volunteers to bring it all together, “and that makes a difference, having a good stable team.”
Last year three new floats were added to the event, including the Christmas parcel, Christmas cake and a dragon called Scorch.
Southland Santa Parade on tomorrow.
Watch the making of Scorch the Dragon
Parade map/route
1pm kick off from Gala Street
2:30pm Gala Afternoon on Gala reserve food and entertainment and the floats will be parked there.