Dargaville's main street was packed as young and old alike turned out for the town's annual Christmas parade.
There was little disruption to Saturday's parade when the emergency services taking part in the parade received two call outs - flashing lights saw one ambulance and fire appliance leave the "flotilla".
The second ambulance was right on the spot when medical attention was needed in a local shop.
This year's floats depicted the various water activities available throughout the district, and it was Circus Kumarani's King Neptune and his entourage that captured the judges' eye.
Old Nick's followers included pirates, who staged mock sword fights, sea creatures of all shapes and sizes, and even a surfer riding the tarmac on a wheeled surf board.
Dargaville Museum's float depicted the region's maritime past - a lighthouse guided a sole rower in his little dinghy safely to the shore and into second place.
Organised by the Dargaville and Northern Wairoa Lions Club, the parade is always popular, but this year there was a larger crowd than normal.
Preceding the parade was the annual Webb Ross Trolley Derby.
Contestant numbers were down this year but nevertheless it drew much hilarity and smiles as trolleys thundered down the main street.
Only one came to grief and in the true spirit of competition driver and "pushers" dusted themselves off to finish the race.
Following the parade hundreds made their way to Te Awa Riverside Gardens to enjoy the Christmas Expo where artists and musicians entertained.
All roads lead to big parade
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