Tūrangi Christmas in the Park back bringing joy to whānau

Tūrangi Christmas Parade, December 15, 2018. Photo / File

It's all about whānau this year.

Tūrangi Christmas in the Park 2020 will be a scaled back affair, due to Covid-19, but organising chairman Tangonui Kingi says this year there will be a focus on whānau.

Busker Ray T Isaacs entertains a group of entranced preschoolers with his rendition of Jingle Bells. Photo / File

Tangonui said Tūrangi Christmas in the Park will still have the free kids' amusements and blow up bouncy castles, a Santa Parade, singing from local musicians, market stalls, kai stalls, a community fundraising stall, a community group information stall and a yet-to-be announced free family movie.

This year the event will be held in the daytime, with the movie timed to finish around 7.30pm to 8pm so everyone can be home before dark.

Tangonui said another thing for people to take note of is the event location has moved from Tongariro School to Te Kapua Park.

"We couldn't secure the sponsors and this year there will be a notable omission. There is no headline act, there is no big stage, there are no fireworks," said Tangonui.

chocolate Santas for all the children who came to decorate the tree, Christmas 2011. Photo / File

Every other year, the organising committee secure their headline artists in March and April, however this year artists didn't know if they could commit and neither did sponsors. Other communities have cancelled their Christmas events, however Tangonui said the committee wanted to push forward and put on an event for everyone to enjoy.

"The ethos is about bringing families together and coming along to support Tūrangi Christmas in the Park. It's been a difficult year and we really encourage everyone to come along and come together," said Tangonui.

He said they are still taking registrations for the Santa Parade and everyone who enters a float goes in the draw for a chance to win cash prizes. To enter, email Peter on peter.hanne@fireandemergency.nz.

Tūrangi Christmas Parade, December 15, 2018. Photo / File

For those wishing to register a stall, get in touch with Amo on info@safeturangi.org.nz or 021 0265 0795.

"We may look a little different but our organising committee was not going to let this year stop our fantastic community event!"

Timetable for Tūrangi Christmas in the Park

Saturday, December 12 at Te Kapua Park, Tūrangi.

11am-3pm free kids' amusements

4pm Santa parade through town centre

4.15pm-7.30pm markets, kai and free movie in the park.