Eketāhuna's Santa Cruise kicks off Christmas

Groombridge Plumbers' Santa made a flying visit at Eketāhuna's Santa Cruise.

The change of parade route for this year’s Santa Cruise in Eketāhuna was no problem for the families gathering to watch.

Nick from Staysharp Barbershop opted for a toy theme for his float in Eketāhuna's Santa Cruise.

The local volunteer fire brigade had the truck decorated with tinsel.

A vintage car parked outside Eketāhuna/Mellemskov Museum which was open on the day of the township's Christmas parade.

Plenty lined the street outside Eketāhuna’s community centre for the annual parade to watch as Santa led the floats on a circuit around the block.

The local St John's shuttle got into the spirit.

Santa as usual led the Eketāhuna Santa Cruise, otherwise known as the Christmas parade, on the ride-on lawnmower.

I wonder if the car's name is Rudolph. It certainly looked the part.

The weather might have been a little glum, but that didn’t spoil the festive spirit both in the market being held in the community centre and outside where locals lined up for a sausage sizzle or children took part in a treasure hunt.

The white kiwi once again emerged for Pukaha National Wildlife Centre's appearance.

Thomas the Tank Engine is always popular. Great float by Keinzley Agvets.

Eketāhuna School went for an aquatic theme for their float.

Property Brokers 'Top Guns' did a fly by of Eketāhuna's streets for the Santa Cruise.

The model truck attracted plenty of attention at the market held at the Eketāhuna community centre on parade day.

Eketāhuna/Mellemskov Museum was also open for the day and got a few visitors in to check out the various displays.