Farmers Santa Parade
Tuesday 20 November 2012, 4:24PM
By Pead PR
1303 views
DATE: SUNDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2012, 2.00PM (RAIN DATE: SUNDAY 2 DECEMBER 2012)
Covering the parade
Media are invited to cover the pre-parade activity, the parade procession and Santa’s Party in Aotea Square. If you’d like to do so, please advise Claire Lancaster at Pead PR on 09 918 5545 / 021 110 8004 or email claire@peadpr.co.nz.
Best vantage points for filming/photography
Mayoral Drive and Queen Street are the best places to film the parade, particularly from an elevated position on a verandah or rooftop if you have prior permission.
You are allowed on the perimeter of the parade route to film / take photos - however please do not climb on to floats or impede the view of spectators.
Parking and transport to the parade
Free parking is available at the following Auckland City car parks but only if you are parked by 12 noon:
- Downtown
- Victoria Street
- Karangahape Road
For information on bus, train and ferry schedules and fares visit www.maxx.co.nz or call the MAXX Contact Centre on 366 6400.
Parade route
The 2.2 km parade route starts on Mayoral Drive, turns left into Queen Street, travels down Queen Street before turning left again into Customs Street West then heading up Albert Street, ending at Albert and Wellesley Streets.
Please note all inner city roads are closed between 12 noon and 4pm on Sunday 25 November 2012. People are advised to get into the city before 12 noon to avoid frustration with traffic and parking.
Rain date - Sunday 2 December, 2012
If the parade is postponed because of bad weather, an announcement will be made on Newstalk ZB after 10:00am on Sunday 25 November.
About the parade
The Farmers Santa Parade began in 1934 – this year marks the 79th anniversary. The parade has grown over the years to become a world-class spectacle with a mix of modern and traditional floats and character-based costumes.
Start times
1:00 pm: Pre-parade entertainment, product sampling and giveaways along the parade route
2:00pm: Farmers Santa Parade begins
3:15pm: Santa’s Party kicks off in Aotea Square
Parade highlights – 2:00pm start
The New Zealand Army Band leads the Farmers Santa Parade this year.
Look out for a new Christmas Train as it chugs its way down Queen Street, complete with three Christmas themed carriages and lots of little elven helpers. Chocolate-obsessed Willie Wonka works his way through the streets on a new float with all his Charlie and the Chocolate Factory friends.
Keep an eye out for giant inflatables including Cat in the Hat, Sam I Am, Christmas Tree, Reindeer, The Lorax, Bob the Builder, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and the new Minnie Mouse.
An amazing line up of characters and celebrities are also a big part of the parade this year including Care Bear’s Cheer Bear, Sid and Scrat from Ice Age, Ben 10, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Spot the Dog, Peter Rabbit and the Wicked Witch, Dorothy, Lion, Tinman and Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz.
This year’s Farmers Santa Parade charity is Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) and collectors will be out seeking donations prior to the parade. A gold coin donation on the day would be very much appreciated.
Santa’s Party – from 3:15pm in Aotea Square
Everyone is welcome at Santa’s Party after the parade. It features continuous stage show entertainment including performances by the New Zealand Army Band, Donell Lewis, Singing Pirates Fungal Finnegan and Festus McBoyle, Jamie McDell, Phoenix Belly Dancers as well as a Yogi Bear and Boo Boo Show.
There are also rides, stalls, face painting, celebrities, giveaways and it wouldn’t be a proper Christmas party if it didn’t have a special appearance from Santa himself.