Big man in red steals show from back of bike

The reindeer may have stayed away from the Balclutha Santa Parade, but that did not stop hundreds of Clutha district residents from lining the streets to see the big man in red on Saturday.

Clutha District Council community support and development adviser Jean Proctor estimated more than 500 people spent their day checking out the parade. About 350 people took part in the parade alone, she said. More than 40 stalls lined Clyde St as part of the market day and fair.

Children stood on parts of the upgraded architecture on the main street, hugged street signs and sat on their parents’ shoulders to get a glimpse of Santa and the 37 floats travelling slowly down the street.

Mrs Proctor said the day could not have been better.

"The more we do this the better we get at it."

Some of the floats included Aged Care Holmdene residents dressed as reindeer,  South Otago Theatrical Society members in Christmas-themed costumes, and Santa Claus himself, who left his reindeer behind and opted for a ride on the back of a motorcycle with the Big River Bikers club.

The winner of the float competition was St Joseph’s School pupils dressed in Dr Seuss costumes.

samuel white@odt.co.nz