Santa parade and concert always a community favourite

JULIA WADE

05 Dec, 2022

With only 20 days to go until the big man in the jolly-red suit comes to town, Mangawhai is gearing up for some early Christmas fun with the area’s largest festival set to burst onto the streets with all its tinselly, sparkly glitter, in only six sleeps.

Kicking off along Wood Street at the Heads, Mangawhai Activity Zone’s [MAZ] Santa Parade – which so far includes over 30 floats from local businesses, clubs, schools and organisations – will travel down Molesworth Drive to MAZ where children will have a chance to meet and pose for a photo with the famous gift-bearer.

Later in the afternoon, the ‘Christmas in the Park’ line-up featuring a range of local and neighbouring acts will carry on the festive cheer, Santa’s right-hand man, parade coordinator and show director/MC John Phillis says.

“The concert is not just Christmas carols, it’s a variety show showcasing talent from a range of ages and I’m sure there’ll be something for everyone.”

Entertainment includes: Mangawhai Beach School’s [MBS] kapa haka and the schools ‘Who’s Got Talent’ participants with two dance troupes, a solo dancer and a young songwriter singing her own original song; three marimba groups plus violins with Gabrielle Crowe and a core group of children playing instruments; Christmas carols sung by Maura Flower’s singers; ukulele band ‘Totally Uked’ and the show’s co-MC Keri Cullen and production crew member Kiri Eriwata performing a mix of contemporary and Christmas songs, before Loose Covers finishes the showcase with a selection of the best feel-good music.

Concertgoers are welcome to bring a picnic, however as MAZ is part of the Mangawhai Park which is a no-alcohol zone, visitors are asked to leave alcoholic drinks at home. A sausage sizzle as well as food and non-alcoholic drinks are also available to buy from MAZ Cafe. Kids activities in the form of face-painting and twisty balloon animals are also on offer and extra parking has been made available behind the Mangawhai fire service and St John ambulance stations.

John and the MAZ committee would like to say a huge thanks to all sponsors – Bayleys, Limitless Scaffolding, Tara Iti, Mangawhai Heads Four Square and Mangawhai Business Association.

“Both events have been fantastically supported by the community,” John says. “It brings to the fore the essence embedded in Mangawhai, of supporting one another and the spirit of Christmas for the kids and making it a fun day.”

n Santa Parade and Christmas in the Park, December 11, starting from 1pm and 4pm respectively.

The 2020 Santa Parade and Christmas concert brought the festive spirit to the people of Mangawhai. PHOTO/FILE