The weather outside was frightful, but the NBS Nelson Santa Parade was still delightful.
Close to 50 floats trundled down Trafalgar St in unmerry weather on Sunday, sending cheer and goodwill to the adoring spectators.
Emergency services, ethnic communities, music and dance groups, SPCA, vintage cars, Mowsworth Rampage participants and Santa Claus himself were among the festive procession which departed from Montgomery Square Carpark and wrapped up at Trafalgar Park.
Gold coins and stockpiles of canned food were donated to Nelson Community Foodbank stations on Trafalgar St.
Nelson Santa Parade Trust chairperson Trevor Marshall estimated a crowd of 20,000 who braved the wet weather for some merry and bright entertainment.
“Really great parade, had lots of new floats and groups in there, which was fantastic, and a great crowd considering the weather, we were lucky the rain gods held off for most of it,” he says.
“Everyone that was here walked away with plenty of smiles, and for the kids with bubble wands and lollies, drinks and toys… and when you see the smile on the kids' faces when they watch Santa, that's all that counts.”
