Thousands of people from all over the Western Bay descended on Papamoa on Sunday for the first Santa Parade of the season.
People lined the streets to watch the 30-plus floats of the Pak'nSave Papamoa Santa Parade make their way from Dickson Rd to Domain Rd then on to Papamoa Plaza.
Talking to families before the action started, it was clear that what children love about Christmas parades has not changed: seeing Santa and getting pelted with lollies.
The White Ribbon riders were the first down the route, followed a few minutes later by the main parade led by a policeman making cheerful use of his siren.
Tauranga Samba set a lively beat and floats from local businesses, community service groups, emergency services, schools and sports groups followed at a leisurely pace.
They included a fleet of motor scooters, a nativity scene, trampoline on a truck, dogs dressed as elves, pirate ships, a gingerbread house, a fairytale forest and much more.
Santa brought up the rear, perched atop the back of a red convertible Volvo.
A group of cheeky kids with water guns were squirting paraders on Dickson Rd.
One likely lad was even so bold as to send a jet of water Santa's way, but it was a half-hearted attempt and the jolly fellow, sporting a lush white beard and traditional red suit, did not seem to mind too much in the muggy weather.
Tauranga city councillors Leanne Brown and Steve Morris were tasked with picking the best floats.
"We have an elaborate scoring system," Morris said.
"Floats are judged on whether they meet the theme, their enthusiasm and 'wow' factor.
"Each year the bar gets lifted higher with the amount of work put into the floats."
The Blue Cottage won best float for their Three Little Pigs themed effort, featuring this straw house. Photo/George Novak
The Blue Cottage took out top overall honours for their Three Little Pigs-themed float, complete with three "houses" - one of straw, one of sticks and one of bricks.
Kairo and Brittany Atega brought their two kids Daniel, 3 and Brylee, 6 months, over from Te Puna for the event.
Kairo said it was "awesome" and Daniel said his favourite floats were the one with Santa and the pirate ship, while mum was a fan of the one with the trampoline.
Brendon Woodhouse, who came from Pyes Pa to watch with partner Kelly and kids Olivia, 4, and Adam, 1, said it was "a great little community parade".
Best non-profit float: Current Church Best business float: Barrett Homes Best sports/social club float: Karate Papamoa Best Education Sector float: Papamoa Primary Overall best float: The Blue Cottage
Upcoming Christmas parades
Saturday December 2 - Seeka Epic Te Puke Christmas Float Parade and Multicultural Food Festival: starts from 11am in Jellicoe St
- Lions Club of Katikati Christmas Parade and Santa in the Park: starts at 3pm from the Katikati mainstreet and heads to Moore Park for Santa in Park and Xmas Variety concert
- Trustpower Christmas Parade in downtown Tauranga: starts at 11am and followed by other fun entertainment down at the waterfront.
