Picton plans packed Santa parade

Picton’s Christmas Parade is after floats to take part this year, with free float entry and cash prizes for the best as Santa Claus makes his way to town.

Organisers invite the whole community to join in the fun and excitement of building competitive floats for the annual Picton Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 7, with businesses in the Picton town centre also encouraged to decorate their shop windows in a festive theme with a prize up for grabs.

With cash prizes awarded for the Best Community Float and Best Business Float, with first, second, and third places recognized in each category, Beryl Bowers hopes to see lots of interesting additions – but says all are welcome to watch”.

“Bring your camp chair, hat, blanket, and sunscreen, and join us for a sunny afternoon of community celebration”, says Beryl.

“Entry for floats is completely free, but registration is essential to help us organize the parade in a way that makes it truly spectacular for everyone to watch.

“When you pick up your entry forms at The Picton Book Shop, don’t forget to drop your wish list to Santa in the Red-Letter Box outside the shop - every letter will receive a personal reply from Santa himself!”

With an interactive aspect to the whole event, Beryl says this year’s festivities will also feature a sausage sizzle, a coffee kart, and Mr. Whippy for delicious treats, alongside free face painting as part of the fun.

“The audience will be treated to performances by the Marlborough Academy of Dance. “The Bells” will sing Christmas songs and lead the crowd in a sing-along of favourite Christmas carols, with song sheets provided for everyone.

“The Marlborough Lines Santa Float will be filled with local children and plenty of lollies for everyone to enjoy, then the Highland Pipe Band will perform as the crowd awaits Santa’s arrival, who will be handing out treats and providing photo opportunities for families.”

The prize giving ceremony will take place on the Picton foreshore, beginning at approximately 2.45 PM.

“Picton Fresh Choice will once again host a free food raffle, with tickets distributed during the parade and drawn on the foreshore, so be sure to stay and see if you win!

“A heartfelt thank you goes out to the volunteer committee and helpers who work hard each year to make this event a success for the whole community and thank you to our sponsors  Marlborough Lines, Marlborough District Council, Port Marlborough, O’Donnell Barging, Kenny Barging, Fulton Hogan, The Picton Book Shop, Fresh Choice Picton, Signs Now Picton, and Picton Lions Club,” adds Beryl.

To participate in the parade, registration forms are available at The Picton Book Shop on High Street, Picton.

For your convenience, forms can also be requested by emailing [email protected] or [email protected], or by calling 5736885 or 0274886824 for more information.