Preschoolers pirate best idea for parade

PROWLING PIRATES: Preschoolers take part in the Marton Christmas Parade.

Marton's Christmas Parade started on Saturday with a roar of jet fuel and a flyover by two vintage planes.

They were Brendon and Shirley Deere's restored Spitfire and Avenger.

Marton Jaycees member and parade organiser Rob Craig was grateful they were available to begin the occasion for a second year.

The two flew down Marton's main street as the parade began at 3pm.

There were about 22 floats, Mr Craig said, slightly fewer than last year. About 1000 people came out into the street to see them.

"They were all good quality. A lot of effort goes into them."

The floats are in a competition to be best, with three categories and a prize of $500 for each. The commercial category was won by The Downs Group. The community winner was Creative Courtyard and the Marton Junction Community Preschool's pirate ship was judged best float in the education category.

The parade also had a pipe band, Samoan dancers and vintage cars. Afterwards people moved to Marton Park where Santa arrived in a bucket truck and threw out 20kg of sweets in a lolly scramble.