My Account
Thousands lined the streets of Ōrewa on November 25 for a Santa Parade that lived up to the annual event’s high expectations.
Rain that threatened earlier to dampen proceedings stayed away, and many enjoyed a glorious afternoon and evening.
Along the now-familiar route, from Florence Avenue along the highway to the beach reserve carpark, crowds gathered five or six deep in places. The organisers, Destination Ōrewa Beach business association, estimated a total turnout of around 5000-6000.
At 49, the number of floats returned to pre-Covid numbers. Vintage, classic and hot rod cars took part, along with several bands, cheerleaders, guides, scouts, and local groups and businesses. The colourful parade took an hour and seven minutes to pass the finish line.
“The energy was high throughout the event and the smiles on the children’s faces are testament to the joy this event brings,” said operations manager, Hellen Wilkins.
Winners of this year’s float competition were Whangaparāoa and Ōrewa libraries (best team float), Busy Bees Silverdale (best child-aligned float), Ōrewa Baptist (best non-commercial float) and Drifter Coffee (best commercial float)
The Pest Free Hibiscus Coast entry, which featured volunteers, supporters and staff of Forest & Bird including children dressed as rats sitting in a giant trap, was named the most creative float.
“Ōrewa town centre was packed to capacity after the event as so many people left the parade and entered the cafes and restaurants, which is what these events are about – bringing joy to our community, sharing the Christmas spirit and bringing a positive economic benefit to the town,” Hellen said.
Unlike previous years, the parade ended with a carnival of amusements and food trucks, organised by Ōrewa-Millwater Rotary Club, rather than the Surf Sounds concert and fireworks, which is now scheduled for Easter Saturday, next March.
Hellen said as both the parade and the music and fireworks events had grown, it became necessary to separate them, “creating two fantastic event days for our community and beyond”.
To enable Destination Ōrewa Beach to focus on the parade, it approached Rotary to create a new post-parade event. All vendor commissions will go to Rotary programmes and initiatives in the community.
“The amusement rides were busy and the food trucks were in high demand until after 7pm,” she said. “A full schedule of music performances kept the crowds entertained. This event, being a new format, will be built on for future years to make it even bigger and better.”
