Christmas parade reminder, float your ideas

 

BY JULIA WADE

With six weeks to go, organisers of Mangawhai’s first Santa Parade in many years are advising any local businesses, groups or clubs that wish to be involved in the special Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) event, that now is the time to register and get creative.

To be held on December 16, main organiser John Phillis says Santa is inviting all Mangawhai organisations to join in, no matter what the size, shape or style of their float.

“It could be a truck, tractor, bike or even walking float, it really doesn’t matter,” he says. “Over 20 floats are already registered with many more expected, these range in all sizes and descriptions, decorated in the spirit of Christmas and identifying with the local organisation. People have up until a week prior to the parade to enter.”

Starting at Alamar Crescent, the floats will be judged and awarded prizes for best decorated by Kaipara mayor Jason Smith before commencing around 10.30am along North Avenue, heading towards the Wood Street shopping centre and proceeding down Molesworth Drive to finish at MAZ at 11.30am for family Christmas festivities. The jolly big man in red himself will be available in his Santa summerhouse for families to take their own photos so ‘please bring your phone’ Phillis says. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Mangawhai enterprises to add to the magic of Mangawhai, while enjoying community exposure and heaps of fun in an event that is certain to become a regular annual feature.”

 To register your organisation in the Santa Parade please contact John Phillis 021 339 329 or email johnphilliscelebrant@gmail.com

Close friend of Santa Claus and coordinator of Mangawhai’s Santa Parade, John Phillis wants to encourage local businesses, groups and clubs they still have time to be part of the inaugural event.