Weekend event: Papamoa Santa Parade hits town

Papamoa Santa Parade organiser Kate Percy says this year's event celebrates the ever-expanding Papamoa community coming together for a fun, family day out. Photo/Andrew Warner

Tauranga's first Christmas parade takes place this weekend when Santa touches down in Papamoa.

The Pak'nSave Papamoa Santa Parade will flood the streets around Papamoa Plaza on Sunday with hundreds of floats and plenty of Santa's little helpers.

Papamoa Unlimited event organiser Kate Percy said this was the fourth parade the group had run and this was likely to be the biggest of the lot. The trail of floats was likely to reach up to 700m, Percy said.

There was also likely to be the parade's "largest ever float" this year, the identity of which was to remain a secret until the day.

"It's different every year, particularly with the floats because we've got new people coming every year. Papamoa is rapidly expanding and this is a real focal point for the community, particularly for the different sectors, the education sector, the commercial sector, non-profit organisations, everyone is involved," Percy said.

People were encouraged to join in on the festivities as the parade marches along its route.

It begins on Dickson Rd with about 30 White Ribbon Riders creating a "spectacle for a really good cause" before the floats march their way to the Plaza, where face painting, The Little Big Markets and a merry-go-round will be among things on offer.

"There are not many events that put the community on display like this ... It's really about coming together."

Percy said the parade also offered new residents in the area the chance to join and be part of the community.

"Papamoa is a really developing part of Tauranga and with that comes a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of want from people to express themselves."

While it's possible the White Ribbon Riders might offer a bearded man or two to start the parade off, a bearded man will be the parade's big finish.

"Santa will definitely be there, in his shiny red Corvette."

The details

What: The Pak'nSave Papamoa Santa Parade
Where: Dickson Rd and Papamoa Plaza, Papamoa
When: Sunday from 12pm to 2pm
What to bring: Sunscreen, bags for goodies and money for rides at the plaza