Get in behind Santa with float, is call

CHRISTMAS TRANSPORT: Mitre 10 Mega sleigh-builder and promotions manager Kim Olson, store manager Brent Stewart and Masterton Christmas Parade co-ordinator Greg Childs offer a sneak peek at Santa's custom-built sleigh.

If you've got an idea for a Christmas float, whether it's Hobbit-themed, a nod to Avatar, or a traditional Christmas grotto, now's the time to get cracking.

The Masterton Christmas Parade is a little under two months away and co-ordinator Greg Childs is calling for the public to put their best trailer forward and enter some show-stopping displays.

Because of safety concerns, large trucks are not permitted at this year's festival - so, as opposed to stopping at making vehicles look festive, participants are encouraged to come up with creative ideas for themed floats.

"We want to see people stepping it up and using more imagination," Mr Childs said.

"Our plan is to put this parade out there and make it fantastic - and eventually rival the Wellington parade.

"People have a bit of time to get their thinking caps on."

Mr Childs said he was already fielding calls from businesses, schools, church groups, sports clubs and other community organisations interested in entering a float.

"Basically, we're wanting the floats to reflect the personality of the people in the float," he said. "For example, if you're a music group, go for something music-oriented.

"And, of course, Peter Jackson and James Cameron are welcome to come on board and do a Hobbit or Avatar float."

In addition, the parade has a new route - from Masterton New World on Queen St to Trust House Memorial Park.

Hoping to inspire the public to get creative, Mitre 10 Mega Masterton has built Santa Claus' sleigh for the occasion.

In previous years, Masterton had borrowed the sleigh from the Carterton Christmas Parade, or had Santa riding on the back of a truck.

"We thought it was time we had our own sleigh - so we said Mitre 10 would build one for the town," said store manager Brent Stewart. The way this one's been built, it will last for years."

The red and gold sleigh is fashioned from plywood, donated from IPL Plywood Manufacturers, and will stand about 1.8m high on a trailer. "Santa is always a drawcard - so we think the kids will love seeing the more traditional float," said sleigh-builder and Mitre 10 promotions manager Kim Olson.

"When I was a kid, Santa was always in a sleigh - never on a truck."

He said the sleigh would be pulled by some "special guests", whose identities would be revealed on the day.

Mr Childs said the sponsors would also organise a competition - with the winning child getting to travel on the sleigh during the parade. "We just want to see a huge variety of floats for kids and the public to enjoy."

This year's parade is sponsored by the Wairarapa Times-Age, Mitre 10 Mega and McDonald's.