After a three year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, the Christchurch Christmas Show Parade will make a big comeback at 2pm on Sunday, December 18, at the Canterbury Showgrounds.
It comes after parade organisers ditched a plan to replace the event with a $15-a-seat indoor show due to public backlash.
The new parade will include the traditional floats, singers, actors, dancers, bands, marching teams, community and cultural groups, which will all make their way round the showgrounds in front of the crowd.
A Christmas market, food vendors, bouncy castles, and two large picnic areas will also be on site, parade director Jason Reekers said.
"We will have parking on site as well as public transport options. The Canterbury Showgrounds is a perfect venue for the parade. The roading system is safe and it means we don’t have to close any of the city’s roads and inconvenience any businesses or emergency traffic routes," said Reekers.
The trust has been given a $45,000 grant from city council. It has also secured grants from some charitable foundations, but it still needs to raise more funds, Reekers said.
"The event is partially self-funded with money raised from parade naming rights and float sponsorship.
"This is a huge task and we really need local businesses to come out and support us so the Trust can put on a great event for the community.
"We are seeking a naming rights sponsor, as well as individual sponsors for our 22 spectacular floats.
"In return for their sponsorship, sponsors will get a bit more this time than the traditional ’sign on a float’,” he says.
"This is the first of what we hope will be many more years to come at the Showgrounds, the parade’s new permanent home."
If you would like to support the Christchurch Christmas Show Parade, visit the Givealittle page.
