Christmas parade countdown begins

 

JULIA WADE

With just under eight weeks, 68 sleeps and ten Fridays to go before the big festive day, prep for Mangawhai Activity Zone’s third annual Christmas Parade is now in motion.

Coordinator for the area’s largest festive street carnival, John Phillis, can confirm that Santa is definitely Covid-free and booked for the Sunday December 13 parade.

“Rudolf and the other reindeer will be out of quarantine and raring to go to fly Santa to Mangawhai to give all the kids their reward for working so hard in sticking to the rules,” he says. “It is now time for some fun!”

Supported by Bayleys of Mangawhai and the Mangawhai Business Association, the last two parades were hugely successful, attracting large crowds and over 25 floats from local businesses, schools, clubs and community services. Last year festivities also included the first ‘Carols at MAZ’ concert, which showcased a variety of Kaipara’s musical and dance talent, and will again be held on the same day of the parade in the bottom field of the park from 4pm - 7pm.

Businesses, clubs, community groups, schools and individuals interested in joining the fun-filled procession with a festivelydecorated vehicle and trailer, ute, truck, tractor or even walking float, can register now Phillis says. “If you can move and make a noise, come along with a smile and create some happiness,” he says. “Time out to put a troubled year behind and enjoy the reward of the spirit of Christmas.”

„ To register, contact John Phillis on 021 339 329 or johnphilliscelebrant@ gmail.com.