Tomorrow Santa will be making an appearance in Geraldine, as the town’s parade kicks off at 6.30pm, and travels from the corner of Hislop street, along Talbot St to Peel St.
This year’s Geraldine parade has a theme of nursery rhymes, and organisers are looking forward to seeing how creative the community can get, with more than 40 floats taking part.
Organiser Betty-Ann Smart said the parade was a wonderful community Christmas celebration, not only for Geraldine, but also the wider communities from all around the South Canterbury region and she wanted this year to be the best parade yet.
"Our organising committee was inspired to bring the magic of Christmas and festive spirit alive for our youngest audience to enjoy in Geraldine this year."
Competition to win one of three parade cups (Most Enterprising, Best Family Focus and Most Festive) is stiff, with local businesses and organisations working hard to outdo one another with colourful creative ideas and decoration.
Sponsors for the parade are Geraldine Fresh Choice, The Village Inn and the Timaru District Council, and from the Geraldine Lions Club on the night.
The merry man in his red suit will hardly have time to catch his breath before heading to Waimate for Saturday’s parade, starting at 11am at The Basilica and travelling to Seddon Square for a family fun fair.
Children will be able to visit Santa’s Grotto, and there will be musical entertainment, bouncy castles, face painting food and drink stalls and a clown.