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The community did not let stormy weather dampen spirits at the annual New World Orewa Santa Parade, with many describing it on the day, and later on social media, as “the best yet”.
A total of 68 floats took 45 minutes to travel down Hibiscus Coast Highway, which was lined with spectators decked out in gumboots, raincoats and umbrellas.
The parade is organised by Destination Orewa Beach and operations manager Hellen Wilkins says this year the focus on maximising the number of musical and highly visual floats and performers paid off with a vibrant and exciting parade.
The rain cleared just before the parade set off at 4.30pm on Saturday, November 21 but winds still caused balloons to pull at their strings, while participants held tightly to banners and even costumes to keep them in place.
The electrical storm forecast to hit the area in the evening, which eventually hit the Coast later that night, meant that the organisers made the call to cancel the You Can Help Festival which was to take place on Orewa Reserve after the parade.
“It was very sad for the performers who had rehearsed, the suppliers who had stocked up and the community who were excited to attend,” Hellen says.
This cancellation has also had an impact on the food and gift donations for the You Can Help Project – the canned food is collected by Orewa Baptist church for its Christmas food parcels. Food and gifts can be left at the Orewa Baptist Church instead.
The floats were judged by Orewa New World owner/operator Catherine Versalko-West and the winners were: Most Creative, Estuary Arts Centre; Best Commercial, Silverdale Adventure Park; Best Non-commercial, Hibiscus Rodders; Best Team, Red Beach Surf Club; Best School/Children’s group, Silverdale School.
The organisers wish to thank all the volunteers, including Orewa Surf Club and Orewa Baptist Church, and the sponsored traffic management/road closure provided by Fulton Hogan.
“Our sincere thanks go out to all for braving the weather for a great community event.”
