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Organisers of the annual Mangawhai Santa Parade have their fingers crossed for fine weather on Sunday, December 17, as more than 30 different floats are getting ready to take part.
Chief Elf John Phillis, who founded the parade in 2018, said this year’s parade was shaping up to be the best ever.
After mustering at Alamar Crescent, near the Mangawhai boat ramp, the parade will set off at 1pm, wending its way along Robert Street, up Wood Street and down Molesworth Drive to the Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ).
Once the procession is over, Santa will hop out of his sleigh to meet young fans and have a photo with them.
“Santa Claus has agreed to come back again, as he loves the Mangawhai area and he’s looking forward to giving every little boy and girl a gift,” Phillis said.
There will also be a sausage sizzle, ice blocks and the MAZ café will be open, and Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson will be on hand to present prizes to the winning floats.
At 4pm there will be a community concert showcasing local talent, starting with kapa haka from Mangawhai Beach School and their Talent Quest winners, before a variety of other performers take the stage.
“It goes on until 6.30pm and is an amazing line-up of talent by and for all ages,” Phillis said.
He expressed his thanks to the sponsors and Mangawhai community at large for their generous support of the annual event.
“It really does embrace the spirit of Christmas,” he added.
Info: Contact John Phillis on 021 339 329 or email johnphilliscelebrant@gmail.com
