Dannevirke: Parade the 'best ever' say watchers

Totara College won the best Christmas-themed float prize, with their gifts from God. Photo / Christine McKay

Dannevirke's Christmas parade on Saturday was the best ever, those who packed High St claimed.

"It's a bloody beauty," Dave Pawson said. "This is the biggest parade I've seen in a while and it's just wonderful."

Father Christmas and his reindeer head up High St on the second leg of their journey on Saturday.

The year the parade was organised by the Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce, and chairman Suresh Patel was delighted.

"The calibre of the floats is fantastic and the amount of work put into them amazing. It's also wonderful to see so many children involved."

This KB Ford float took out the best business float prize.

As the parade made it's way down High St and back again on a hot, sunny day, crowds packed the footpaths.

"We're so lucky, we've got fantastic weather and this is a great turnout, one of the best," Tararua District Mayor Roly Ellis said. "And it's very good to see so many rural elements, including Lulu the goat and the wonderful vintage car which looks like it's just driven out of the bush, decked out with possums and a deer head."

Clare and Zachariah Emmerson watching the Christmas parade.

Mr Ellis said his one wish now is that everyone shops in Dannevirke this Christmas to support our business community.

Parade results: Champion of champion: Bridgestone; Best children's float: St Joseph's School; best Christmas-themed float: Totara College; Best business float: KB Ford.