Cheeky cherubs, dulcet carollers and, of course, the main man in red all sashayed down High Street on Friday night for the Motueka New World Starlight Christmas Parade, waving to the hundreds of people lining the street.
The town’s annual parade featured 33 floats, with some old favourites returning alongside some creative new entries.
After Santa’s sleigh completed its laps, a combined church choir, led by singer Grant Norsworthy, gathered in front of the museum. Songbooks were handed out, and the crowd joined in with a Christmas carol sing-along.
The Breeze’s Blair Kiddy acted as MC, while judges included deputy mayor Brent Maru, New World Motueka owners Nicola and Simon Hollyer, and Top South Media’s Andrew Board, as well as Terri Everett, Sally Curtis, Lisa Cahalane and “Santa’s helper” Peter Canton.
Nicola says their vantage point atop Whitwells Menswear gave them a great view of the festivities.
“Because it’s a small town, it just seems really intimate.”
Judging was tough, with different entries standing out for different reasons.
In the end, Woodlands Aged Care Facility was the overall winner, for their huge effort of colourful costumes modelled by residents and staff alike.
Parade organiser Claire Hutt sends heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a role in last Friday’s event.
“Our parades have a reputation of being the best in the Top of the South, and Friday’s parade cemented this even further. What a night!” she says. “I feel so proud to be part of this event year after year.”
The parade was held a week later than its customary slot on the first Friday of December, and Claire says this will likely be the format going forward, as it suited sponsors and didn’t affect crowd numbers. There is also enthusiasm for the carols to become a regular event.
The float winners are:
School: Horizons Montessori
Community Group: Jack Inglis Care Home
Business: Tarmra Heal Celebrant
Friends & Family: Birdhurst RSE Performers
Wildcard Winner: Josh Coppins Motorcycles
Overall Winner: Woodlands Aged Care Facility
