Santa claus is coming to town

 

BY JULIA WADE

For the first time in many years, Mangawhai will be treated to its very own Santa Parade, and now is the time – with only 128 days left till Christmas – for local businesses and organisations to design and create a festive float. 

The event actually kick-started when the jolly red-suited philanthropist invited himself to visit the area and to be the star of a parade. Speaking from his winter-land home in the North Pole, Santa says he already has Kaipara mayor Jason Smith on board, who ‘enthusiastically accepted his invitation’ to officiate and judge the procession floats. 

"Ho Ho Ho to the people of Mangawhai! I want you to know I have made changes to my very busy Christmas schedule so that I can join with you in a very special Santa Parade, to be held through the streets of Mangawhai," Santa says. “All I need now is for some wonderful people to join us in making this day special for everyone."

Santa says he has enlisted the help of a popular local man, John Phillis, to be his number one helper. John willingly volunteered to help organise the Christmas event. 

“The initial response from people canvassed for interest has been totally supportive,” Santa says. “John has advised he would like to hear from all local organisations who want to register their interest in putting a float in the parade. Big and small floats are welcome.”  

Assembling at the boat ramp off Alamar Cresent, mayor Smith will judge the floats and award prizes for the best decorated before the parade hits the road around 10am, heading along North Avenue, Robert Street, Holiday Crescent, Margaret Street and through the Wood Street shopping centre. The convoy will then make its way down Molesworth Drive and finish at Mangawhai Activity Zone where Santa will meet the kids and be available for photo opportunities. 

“This is a great opportunity for all community spirited Mangawhai organisations to enter into the Christmas spirit whilst getting their name in front of the people that make their organisations successful,” Santa says. “We believe it will become a very popular event over the years ahead, for local organisations participating and the young (and more mature) kids of Mangawhai. Let’s make this an amazing day out for families.”

 Mangawhai Santa Parade, December 16, 10am start from bottom of North Avenue and finishing at MAZ, approx. 11.30am. Please contact John Phillis 021 339 329 or johnphyilliscelebrant@gmail.com for more details or to register your interest

Having a quiet moment at MAZ last year before the Christmas rush, Santa says he so enjoyed his brief visit to Mangawhai in 2017, he wants to return this year for a full-on parade and to meet more locals.