Parade money well spent

With the music, colour and action that brought Saturday's Christmas parade to life, it is hard to imagine the event being surpassed as a joyful display of community spirit.

Of course, the nature of the event was to celebrate the countdown to Christmas festivities and, judging by the smiles, laughter and appreciation shown by the crowd, there was considerable will to celebrate.

Never mind that some thought it a tad early for Santa to appear, crowds choked Victoria Ave to the point that there was only just enough room for some floats to pass. Everywhere you looked there were happy faces, and the spirit of goodwill was evident. There was no shouting, or pushing for a better view that could be seen. Where lollies or balloons were thrown, the consensus seemed to be that everyone got something.

Greedy thoughts were cast aside in the spirit of the occasion.

The $5000 contributed by Wanganui District Council to Mainstreet to organise this event must surely rate as some of the best spending our council has undertaken in a long while.

I base that on the bang-for-your-buck factor, and must acknowledge the many hours put in by volunteers.

To see the streets lined as they were by people of all ages and walks of life, eager to join in the celebration, was enough to lift the mood even of the Grinch - although the one in the parade seemed pretty pleased to be part of the festivities.

It's hard to pick a highlight, but memorable for me were displays featuring Footrot Flats, complete with helicopter; the Black Pearl ship; the Filipino community; and the Boys' and Girls' Gym Club.

Seemingly all too soon it was over, and now our focus will turn to next year and the desire to top this year's effort. It'll take some doing. but with the type of community spirit on display on Saturday, I wouldn't bet against it.

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