MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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The countdown is on: Santas on his wayBY JULIA WADE
With only six months, 24 weeks or 170 days till Christmas, planning for Mangawhai’s largest festive street carnival is now underway. Organised by Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) the 2018 Santa Parade, the towns first in over eight years, was an outstanding success, attracting large crowds and over 25 floats from local businesses, schools, clubs and community services. Head elf and Santa’s right-hand man, John Phillis says he has it on good authority that the jolly red-suited gift-bearer will back for more fun in December. “Santa has agreed to come back to Mangawhai as he says he had such a wonderful time last year. Now is the time for anyone who wants to put in a float to start planning.” Phillis says the parade will be held on December 15, a Sunday ‘to lessen the disruption for businesses and easier to manage traffic’, have the same 10am start time and follow the same route from Sellars Reserve, Alamar Crescent to MAZ, where children will have an opportunity to have a photo with the famous North Pole man. Current Kaipara mayor, Dr Jason Smith, has also confirmed that if re-elected, he will be available as judge of the float competition. From teething problems noted in last year’s parade experience, Phillis says there will be some improvements. “We’re going to have an expanded shaded area where kids and their parents and caregivers can stand while waiting for an opportunity to get a photo with Santa, it will be a bit more organised,” he says. “If you’re interested in registering a float, big or small, please contact me. We would really like the community again to get behind this amazing event.” Interested? Contact Head elf aka John Phillis 021 339 329 or johnphilliscelebrant@gmail.com. Check out the 2018 Santa Parade online at mangawhaifocus.co.nz The Christmas spirit exploded onto Mangawhai’s streets in 2018 with festive magic and floats of all shapes and sizes making it a huge success. PHOTO/Jason Smith |
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