Masterton?s Christmas parade set to return to centre stage

Christmas floats will bring the wonder of the season back to the main street of Masterton this year after last year's shift to the back streets fell flat.
Masterton deputy mayor Garry Daniell, a supporter of the main street parade, said organisers Classic Hits Radio Wairarapa at a meeting this week accepted 30 to 40 floats for the event, which will run on Saturday, December 2.
Mr Daniell encouraged further float entries from the public and other business to "help create a traditional parade and a real success" for child and adult spectators alike.
Floats are to assemble on the morning in Worksop Road and will make their way through Queen Street to the finishing point at the Horseshoe Tavern carpark.
The return of the spectacle to the main street comes after a parade last year that skirted the main shopping precinct, drawing considerable flak along the way.
"This year there will be bands and marching girls and Father Christmas as well as the floats and other attractions, and we're really hoping to improve on last year and make a really good job of it," Mr Daniell said.
Meanwhile, after an earlier lack of funds the Carols by Candlelight concert is now to go ahead this year at the Tauherenikau racecourse the evening before the Masterton parade.
Trust House are underwriting the event by $27,000, which will feature Wellington radio host and show founder Nick Tansley and New Zealand Idol winner Matt Saunoa among a full card of entertainment.
Mr Tansley first held the event in Featherston in 2003 as recognition of the town in the wake of the murder of Coral-Ellen Burrows at the hands of her stepfather, Stephen Williams.
The Wairarapa will be the only venue outside of the three main cities to have the show that annually packs Westpac Trust Stadium in the capital.