Parade returns with a bang

DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS: Roger and Luke Posthuma acknowledge the crowd from the flying Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car at last year's parade. The car will be returning this year. PHOTO/JAMES ELLISTON

Two new floats will be helping to spread the Christmas spirit in Carterton tomorrow.

The Christmas Parade features a new 2.4m block of chocolate float and a tall metal dog called Sam, as well as the popular flying car from the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang movie, which took part last year.

The event has a 12 Days of Christmas theme, and audiences can also expect to spot the three French hens and the maids-a-milking among the parade's attractions.

Events begin at noon with a group of 250 motorcycles from the Kinsmen motorcycle group driving down High St, followed by the parade at 12.30pm.

Organiser Coral Aitchison of Carterton Rotary said although there were many highlights, the most important part of the day was the children.

"The highlight is always Santa Claus and the children. When you see the look on the children's faces when they see Santa Claus, it's great."

The event was a team effort that could not be accomplished without the help of the many volunteers.

"This is the 15th year the parade has been done by Rotary and it just keeps growing.

"It's that sort of rural community where it all comes together ... it's a loving, very giving community."

Ms Aitchison said market stalls run by community groups and businesses will line High St, providing a good opportunity to buy Christmas presents before season rush. The parade, which includes more than 40 floats, will leave from Wakelin St and travel north up High St towards the roundabout.

Prizes for the best floats and window displays will be presented at the Memorial Club on Broadway after the parade.

High St, from Wakelin St to Broadway, will be closed from noon until the parade finishes.