It’s just one more sleep until the jolly man in the red suit and a record number of Christmas floats hit the streets for Masterton’s annual Christmas parade.
Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell told the Times-Age that, as of yesterday, the number of floats entered in this year’s parade is sitting at 35.
“It’s an amazing response – we’re really delighted with it,” Caffell said.
“There’s a wide range of people participating – we’ve got schools, we’ve got businesses, and the council in it.”
Unlike the last two Christmas parades in 2020 and 2022, which ran down Dixon St, this year’s parade will take the traditional route, starting next to Countdown supermarket on Queen St and making its way down the street to finish up at The Farriers Bar and Eatery car park.
“We haven’t had that route for a while, and I think that gives the businesspeople, particularly, a real opportunity to participate by opening up their shops because there will be a hell of a lot of people walking through town,” Caffell said.
After the parade, attendees can head to Queen Elizabeth Park for the Christmas in the Park event, where there will be a range of activities for all ages.
“We’re hoping to have thousands there, and they will be able to continue on in the park and use all the facilities there,” Caffell said.
As previously reported, the parade will set back Masterton District Council [MDC] about $4000, which covers traffic management, road closures, health and safety, and vehicle hire.
“It’s pretty small beans for the fact that the community spirit it engenders and getting people out together, giving kids and parents and whomever the chance to be entertained together. I think if that’s the sort of money we are spending, I think that’s very well spent,” Caffell said.
However, if the weather looks “shocking”, Caffell said MDC may have to pull the pin on the parade.
“We’re always nervous about the weather,” he said, “but I think because Masterton is such a lovely, friendly place, the man upstairs is going to look after us.”
At print time, MetService was forecasting that Saturday in Masterton will be partly cloudy with northerlies easing in the afternoon, and a high of 17 degrees Celsius.
Masterton Christmas parade, tomorrow,
12.30 pm – 1.30 pm.
