Masterton’s Christmas parade will be returning to its traditional route this year when it’s held on Saturday, December 2.
In 2020 and 2022 the parade was held on Dixon St, to tie in with Christmas in the Park activities taking place in Queen Elizabeth Park.
However, the Dixon St dalliance has come to an end because Masterton District Council [MDC] has elected not to stage Christmas in the Park this year, and a council spokesperson was not able to say whether any other local organisations are planning to take on the event.
The parade will cost MDC around $4000, which will cover traffic management, road closures, health and safety, and vehicle hire.
Trust House will also be providing sponsorship for float prizes in four categories – commercial, community group, sports group, and education – with the winner of each receiving $500 and the runner-up $250.
Council community activator Ella Hall said the council has received a lot of support for returning the parade to Queen St.
“We’re really looking forward to the community getting behind what really is a true New Zealand tradition in the lead-up to Christmas”, she said.
Registrations have already started coming in, with Hall confirming that 10 had been received so far.
She anticipates that number will at least triple by the time registrations close on November 10.
- Anyone wishing to participate in the Masterton Christmas parade can email [email protected] for more information.
