Santa steals the show in parade
Santa Claus was up against some serious competition at this year's Waitaki District Christmas Parade.
More than 7000 people lined the streets of Oamaru to take in an action-packed day of non-stop entertainment.
After more than $7 million worth of trucks, several community groups, pipe bands, drummers and Ronald McDonald, the main man in red made his way down Thames St wishing one and all a very merry Christmas.
Santa Claus, on his new float, was a highlight of the event and cars, sign-written by Lance Streeter to look as realistic as those from the Pixar movie Cars, were a huge hit with the kids who were waving to their favourite cartoon characters.
Mr Streeter raised more than $200 for the Otago Children's Autism Trust by way of Trade Me auctions for a ride in a road legal army tank and a ride in Lightening McQueen during their run down Thames St.
Port FM regional Oamaru breakfast announcer and sales manager Anton Roswell said the Waitaki community made Saturday's Christmas Parade a huge success.
"It wouldn't work unless the community came together," Mr Roswell said.
"It's a combination of the sponsors and the huge number of community groups - that's why it was so good."
Mr Roswell said it was great to see so many people come together to celebrate the Oamaru community.
"I'm absolutely stoked and wrapped," he said.
On Friday there were 56 floats registered for the parade, but Mr Roswell said about 70 turned up on the day.
After the main event, thousands gathered at Friendly Bay for a chance to get up close to some of the floats in the parade, play football on a McDonald's inflatable soccer field, tempt the taste buds at food stalls and boogie to live music.
Port FM will be organising next year's Christmas parade, and Mr Roswell said more music and colour could be expected.
