Auckland Farmers Santa Parade 2011

Auckland Farmers Santa Parade 2011

The Farmers Santa Parade began in 1934 – this year marks the 78th anniversary. Back then thousands of parents and children lined the footpaths to witness Auckland's first real Christmas street spectacle. The parade was led by several highly decorated carts pulled by creatively-adorned horses and were accompanied by a pack of colourful characters such as Waggles and Goggles, Man and the Giant and The Big Fiddle.

The parade has grown over the years to become the spectacular show it is today with a mix of modern and traditional floats and character-based costumes. The philosophy behind it remains true to the wishes of Farmers founder Robert Laidlaw 77 years ago - a gift of festivity and fantasy for the children of Auckland city.

When: Sunday 27 November, 2011 (rain date Sunday 4 December).

Should the Farmers Santa Parade need to be postponed due to the weather, an announcement will be made on Newstalk ZB after 10:00am on Sunday 27 November.

Start times:
1:00 pm: Pre-parade entertainment, product sampling and giveaways
2:00pm: The Farmers Santa Parade begins
3:15pm: Santa’s Party kicks off in Aotea Square.

The numbers

2.2 kilometres – Total distance of the parade route
50 minutes – Approximate time it takes for the parade to pass each spectator
1 hour and 30 minutes – Approximate time it takes for the first float to cross the start line and the last float to cross the end line
4,000 – Number of people involved in the 2011 parade
Eight weeks – Approximate time it takes to make an average float
12 months – Time it takes to organise the parade – organisation for next year’s parade begins basically as soon as Santa takes off his boots this year!
Around 200 – Items in the parade procession

Parade highlights – 2:00pm start

This year's parade features an exciting opening Christmas Elf float, as well as the new Latin Fiesta and Ima Rock Lobster floats. Giant inflatables including Bob the Builder, Christmas Kiwi, Snowman, Reindeer, Mr Potatohead Fireman, Brachiosaurus, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck will wow the crowds.

Characters from the popular new TV show ‘The Amazing World of Gumball’ join other favourites including Kung Fu Panda, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Ben 10, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Care Bears Cheer Bear and Pokémon’s Pikachu.

The Farmers Santa Parade hits Auckland with fun and entertainment for the whole family.

Santa’s Party – from 3:15 in Aotea Square

Everyone is welcome at Santa’s Party which features continuous stage show entertainment including the Wot Wots, characters from Happy Feet 2 and a Christmas magician – just to name a few!

There will also be rides, stalls, celebrities and giveaways – and a special appearance from Santa himself.

Parking and transport to the Parade

Free parking is available at the following Auckland City Parks but only if you are parked by 12 noon:
• Downtown
• Victoria Street
• Karangahape Rd

For information on Bus, Train and Ferry schedules and fares including family and group passes visit www.maxx.co.nz or call the MAXX Contact Centre on 09 366 6400.

Parade route

The 2.2 km parade route starts in Mayoral Drive, turns left into Queen Street, travels down Queen Street before turning left again into Customs Street West then heading up Albert Street, ending at Albert and Wellesley Streets.

Road closure
All inner city roads will be closed between 12 noon and 4pm on Sunday 27 November 2011. People are advised to get into the city before 12 noon to avoid frustration with traffic and parking.

Wheelchair access
An area is available in front of the Scenic Hotel at 380 Queen Street for wheelchairs. Phone (09) 377 6192 to get a pass.

The BIG Little City blue ‘honour’ line
The BIG Little City honour line is painted along the Farmers Santa Parade route. The police ask that all parade spectators stay behind the line while watching the parade.

Leukaemia & Blood Foundation
This year’s Farmers Santa Parade charity is the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation. Collectors will be out prior to the parade seeking donations to support the charity that is committed to improving the quality of life for patients and their families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood conditions. Please bring a gold coin along on the day for the collectors!

www.santaparade.co.nz

ENDS

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