Santa Claus made an early visit to Rotorua at the weekend, spreading Christmas cheer to one and all.
He was the main attraction for thousands of people who lined the streets of central Rotorua on Saturday to witness the city's annual Christmas parade.
The parade wound its way through town and about an hour later all the floats assembled at the Village Green where about 1000 people gathered for a close up look at the 36 floats that made up this year's event. Santa kept the children entertained with pictures and a lolly scramble.
"Just like every year the floats were all really well done and there was lots of colour," Organiser, Classic Hits DJ Sarah van der Kley said.
Education Sector category winner Rotorua Childcare Centre also took the best float title. A Wizard of Oz themed float made by the Sulphur City Lions Club won the Not-for-profit Community Organisations category, while Child Youth and Family won the Commercial and Government Departments category.
All category winners received $750 and the overall winner took home the champion's shield and $750. All prize money was put up by the Rotorua District Council.
WINNING FLOATS
*Education category: Rotorua Childcare Centre
*Not for Profit: Sulphur City Lions Club
*Commercial/Government: Child Youth and Family
*Overall winner: Rotorua Childcare Centre
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