And the rain, which led to the postponement of the parade from Saturday to yesterday, cleared, with the thousands who lined Invercargill's CBD streets enjoying brilliant sunshine and mild temperatures.
• Slideshow: Invercargill Santa Parade
The resignation of the previous Santa Parade organiser caused an administrative headache until Southern Wild Food Festival organiser Alice Pottinger and her Rotary Club of Invercargill club-mate Ross Wensley put up their hands to take over the mammoth task.
Their efforts were rewarded with multiple offers of support from businesses and organisations.
About 80 entries, including 40 floats depicting movie and storybook themes, took part in the parade, along with displays from many community and ethnic groups, vehicles ranging from traction engines to fire engines and street entertainers including clowns and silt walkers.
And, of course, Santa made an appearance, much to the delight of the children.
