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ENTERTAINMENT

Big jolly man brings joy to Auckland City

Monday 26 November 2012, 2:16PM

By Pead PR

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Santa's float journeys down Queen Street at the 2012 Farmers Santa Parade.
Santa's float journeys down Queen Street at the 2012 Farmers Santa Parade. Credit: Topic Photography
Santa was the centre of attention at this year's Farmers Santa Parade.
Santa was the centre of attention at this year's Farmers Santa Parade. Credit: Topic Photography
The Farmers London Town Float at the 2012 Farmers Santa Parade.
The Farmers London Town Float at the 2012 Farmers Santa Parade. Credit: Topic Photography
Mickey Mouse & Donald Duck giant inflatables make their way around the parade route at the Farmers Santa Parade.
Mickey Mouse & Donald Duck giant inflatables make their way around the parade route at the Farmers Santa Parade. Credit: Topic Photography

AUCKLAND

St Nick was the centre of attention in Auckland this afternoon (November 25) as he welcomed in the festive season at the 79th annual Farmers Santa Parade.

Led by a group of New Zealand Olympians and Paralympians, highlights of the parade included an impressive performance by the New Zealand Army Band as well the new Christmas Train and Willie Wonka floats.  Inflatable character balloons, energetic dance troops and popular celebrities all made their way around the 2.2km parade route, to the delight of onlookers lining the streets of Auckland City.

Chairman of the Auckland Children’s Christmas Parade Trust Michael Barnett says the standard of the parade was extraordinarily high.

“The Farmers Santa Parade is New Zealand’s leading Christmas event and the calibre of the floats, performers and costumers is on an international scale.  We are thrilled to be able to share the joy of Christmas with Auckland families and thankful for the support of our sponsors - without them, the event simply wouldn’t be possible,” says Mr Barnett.

Farmers Managing Director Rod McDermott says the company feels honoured to be bringing the event to Auckland again.

“Farmers is grateful to be able to share this annual Christmas event with Aucklanders for the 79th time and we hope all come back next year to share in our historical milestone. Thank you to the dedicated, hardworking volunteers behind the scenes - you all do an outstanding job. We wish every New Zealander a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,” says Mr McDermott.