The winning vehicle float was Plumber Dan's, with a Willie Wonka theme, and the winning walking float was Amdram's model of the killer plant from the film Little Shop of Horrors.
The group with the best costumes was the steam punk crew - Copper, Cogs and Corsets.
"They blew me away. I can't wait to see what they put on for the Caboodle," Mrs Scarrow said.
The Wanganui Chronicle had a spot of bother when its vehicle float had a flat battery. The waiting children had to pile into another hastily decorated car.
The 40-minute parade finished up at Majestic Square, where there was an after party with food carts and facepainting. Children took selfies with Santa and watched entertainer Joel Fenton.
It was a privilege to organise such a celebration in the heart of the city, Mrs Scarrow said. The crowd was bigger than last year, despite horse races being on at the same time.
She wanted to thank Whanganui District Council for funding the parade, More FM for "putting heart into the community", Māori Wardens for providing security and Rotary for assembling the floats.
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