Festive cheer to roll into town

The Timaru Santa Parade will take to Stafford St on Sunday. PHOTO: COURIER FILES
The Timaru Santa Parade will take to Stafford St on Sunday. PHOTO: COURIER FILES
One of Timaru’s favourite festive traditions is set to return for another year.

The much-anticipated Timaru Santa Parade will take to Stafford and the surrounding streets on Sunday.

In a statement, organiser Teressa May said the aim of the parade was to bring festive cheer and creativity to the heart of Timaru.

"Families, friends, and visitors are all invited to celebrate with a vibrant line-up of floats, music and community spirit.

"The parade begins at 2pm and will feature eye-catching floats from local talent, schools, community groups and businesses.

"Each year, participants outdo themselves with themed decorations and holiday spirit that bring joy to all ages.

"This year promises to be an unforgettable display, with live entertainment and interactive elements for the crowd along the route."

The parade is put together by the Timaru Christmas Parade Trust volunteers along with members of the Timaru Lions and Rotary Clubs.

To ensure safety, there will be several road closures. Stafford St, the surrounding streets and the Port Loop Rd will be closed to vehicle traffic from noon with the parade route fully closed from 1pm until it ends.

The parade will begin on Barnard St, then proceed down North St to Stafford St, and finish on the Port Loop Rd at Marine Pde’s carpark one.

Pre-parade parking is available at Marine Pde carparks two and three.