The iconic life-size Christmas Nutcracker Band display on Marine Parade is being auctioned off, all proceeds will go to Mount Surf Club. Photo / supplied
The iconic life-size Christmas Nutcracker Band display on Marine Parade is being auctioned off, all proceeds will go to Mount Surf Club. Photo / supplied
The iconic life-size Christmas Nutcracker Band display is spending its last Christmas in Mount Maunganui before being auctioned off.
The money raised from the auction will be given to Mount Surf Club.
“The funds will be used to purchase essential equipment to support our volunteer lifeguards,ensuring they are ready to patrol our beaches, respond to rescue throughout the busy summer period, keeping people safe in, on and around our coastline and Mauao,“ Mount Surf Club spokeswoman Selina Murray said.
“Support like this ensures we can maintain the high level of lifeguarding and rescue services that our lifeguard service has become renowned for within our community.”
Michelle Gray, the owner of the Christmas display on Marine Parade, said she handmade the soldiers, Christmas trees, Santa and Rudolf with her family eight years ago.
Since then, the decorative set has been out on display every Christmas for all to enjoy.
The iconic life-size Christmas Nutcracker Band display on Marine Parade is being auctioned off, all proceeds will go to Mount Surf Club. Photo / supplied
“The response is unbelievable,” Gray said.
“We have letters put in our mailbox from people thanking us for the amazing display.”
Gray said she even gets responses from overseas where people have seen the display on Facebook.
After eight years, Gray decided it was time for someone else to enjoy them.
She said they originally made the display for their grandchildren who loved being a part of the special family tradition.
“They were handmade by us with love and care. They were made of deer strainers and posts from our farm.
“The grandkids have had many years of enjoyment and it is now time for others to get the enjoyment we have had, even if it meant they went to another city to enjoy.
“I’d love them to go to someone where they can be enjoyed by the public again.”
The iconic life-size Christmas Nutcracker Band display on Marine Parade is being auctioned off, all proceeds will go to Mount Surf Club. Photo / supplied
She suggested they don’t have to go to a family, but a business where they could be placed for display on a Christmas parade float.
The auction is in action on TradeMe and it will end on December 21. The listing can be found here.
Gray is expecting to receive around $2000 for the display, all of which will go straight to the Mount Surf Club.
Gray said if anyone wanted to reach out to ask questions, they were more than welcome and should email bm.gray@hotmail.com.
The purchase of the display will include five 1.8m high nutcrackers each playing an instrument (two drummers, piano accordion, trumpet and conductor), Santa and Rudolf (1.5m tall) and two Christmas trees.
