Gisborne's Christmas Parade made a comeback on a hot Sunday afternoon, and it drew an estimated several thousand people to the CBD for what was lots of fun and colour. Photo / Murray Robertson
Gisborne's Christmas Parade made a comeback on a hot Sunday afternoon, and it drew an estimated several thousand people to the CBD for what was lots of fun and colour. Photo / Murray Robertson
The Christmas Parade made a triumphant return to the streets of Gisborne’s city centre in what was described as “an awesome start” to the festive season.
After a five-year break, the parade, starring the big man in red, was welcomed by thousands of people who lined the streets.
Welcome to Gisborne Santa. Photo / Murray Robertson
Asuitably jolly Santa Claus brought up the rear of the 20-minute-long procession, reclining in a classic open-top automobile.
“It was wonderful to see thousands of happy, smiling faces as I went along, particularly the little ones, after so many years of not being here for them,” he said.
The lineup machinery on show included a number of large tractors from Brandt dressed as reindeer. Photo / Murray Robertson
A fire appliance and St John ambulances were decked out as Christmas trees, and Gisborne Speedway Club had a strong presence with lots of high-revving cars.
Gisborne Concert Band belted out a range of Christmas tunes.
After the highland pipers, Gisborne Concert Band brought the much-loved Christmas tunes to the occasion. Photo / Murray Robertson
Lots of comments were heard among the many who attended on a sweltering summer day.
Two or three summed it up nicely: “that was fun”; “not the biggest, or the best, but it happened, and the kids loved it”; and “Mum, I saw Santa”.
Parade organiser Natasha Olsen said it seemed like all of Gisborne came out to watch the parade.
“I’m absolutely stoked with the support, could not be happier.
“We had 24 businesses, community groups and sports clubs (some with multiple vehicles), who all got right into the Christmas spirit and were so easy to deal with right from the start.
“The effort on their part with the parade was phenomenal for our small town, and we really hope to repeat it again for years to come.
“A massive thank you to our community and parade participants.”
The It’s a Gizzy Christmas at Marina and Kelvin Parks drew easily 10,000 people, if not more, Olsen said.
“It was like a polite stampede when they first arrived. The community coming together in the Gizzy sun, and it was an awesome start to the festive season.”
