The Rotary Club of Te Awamutu, NZ, in partnership with Waikato Construction Management Ltd and Coresteel Waikato, along with support from Waipa District Council and Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board, have set the date for this year’s Rotary Christmas Parade.
On Saturday, December 7, Te Awamutu’s Alexandra Street will be a sea of white as festive floats put their spin on this year’s theme, ‘It’s a White Christmas’ – think Snoopy, snowmen and snowflakes! The parade will run from 11am – 12:30pm.
This year’s event returns to its origins. The parade had been ‘trialled’ on a Sunday for the past two years, however, following consultation with stakeholders, the decision was made to return to a Saturday event.
The committee is excited to host the event after an amazing event last year – “such a success with some great floats and a lovely crowd”.
Te Awamutu Rotary is grateful for the support it receives from local businesses and organisations to make the event a popular and successful one, including Te Awamutu Community Cadets, Subway, McDonald’s, Devoy Signs and Graphics, NZME, Wilks Penny Motorcycles, Te Awamutu Lions, and many more.
“These people have real Christmas spirit and make hosting this event so much easier,” committee chairman Chris Kay said.
Planning is well under way with the committee focused on hosting a safe and fun event for the whole community.
“We are anticipating judging to be extremely difficult because of the effort and quality of the floats entered,” Chris said.
There are three float categories – commercial/businesses, service clubs and societies, and children and youth.
As well as participating in the parade, people can embrace the festive spirit on the day by volunteering to help.
“The Te Awamutu Rotary Christmas Parade is run entirely by volunteers who enjoy helping spread the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill to our community,” Chris said.
If you would like to help on the day, email [email protected] or phone 027 294 6562.
MAIN PICTURE: It wouldn’t be a true Te Awamutu Rotary Christmas Parade without Santa on hand to oversee the festivities.