Media Release

24 November 2013

Santa comes to town – for the 80th time

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Aucklanders have turned out in their droves to welcome St Nicholas to the city in today’s (Nov. 24) annual Farmers Santa Parade.

Bookended by our gallant sailors from San Francisco and a jolly Father Christmas atop his traditional sleigh float, the 2013 parade has marked a number of milestones.

It’s the 80th time Santa has arrived in town for the festive season accompanied by thousands of volunteers. It’s the 25th year event organiser Pam Glaser has been involved.

And again, a deserving charity in the form of the Child Cancer Foundation has benefited from the generosity of the citizens of Auckland.

Emirates Team New Zealand members led by skipper Dean Barker and accompanied by partners and their children led the parade onto the streets riding high on the Riverboat float.

Heralded by the City of Auckland Pipe Band, the parade followed behind. The band, formed in 1942 under its current name but much older than that, has performed at virtually every Farmers Santa Parade since 1945.

In celebration of 80 years of Farmers Santa Parades, some great new floats joined the cavalcade.

You couldn’t miss blow-up renditions of superheroes Batman and Superman as well as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and more. The inflatable floats reach for the sky and Batman made his world debut while Superman has never before been seen outside Brussels.

Prior to the start of the parade Aucklanders shared in the joy of giving this Christmas. For the first time, the Child Cancer Foundation collected donations at the event with all funds going to the non-profit organisation. The foundation receives no direct funding from the government or from any other of the cancer charities.

Around 120 volunteers in bright blue uniforms were positioned on the parade route and there was also a text-to-donate option.

And when the hoopla on the streets was over, everyone was welcomed at Santa’s Party for a continuous stage show. Entertainment by the New Zealand Army Band, Auckland power pop band The Hurricane Kids and musical education group Zoo Boogie kept the party going.

Street dance company Fresh Movement from West Auckland took the heat to the stage while cornflake the Clown was there to entertain alongside rides, stalls, celebrities and giveaways. And of course, Santa himself put in a timely appearance.

Chairman of the Auckland Children’s Christmas Parade Trust Michael Barnett says the 80th parade was a visual feat and a magical start to the festive season.

“The Farmers Santa Parade is New Zealand’s leading Christmas event and the calibre of the floats, performers and costumes is on an international scale. 

“Year after year we are thrilled to be able to share the joy of Christmas with Auckland families and thankful for the support of our sponsors - without them, the event simply wouldn’t be possible,” says Mr Barnett.

Farmers Managing Director Rod McDermott says everyone in the company is delighted to be able to bring Santa to Auckland for the 80th time.

“Santa is both universal and everlasting and for 80 years he and his dedicated helpers have brought delight and surprise to generations of New Zealanders who on one day begin the magical journey in to the wonderland that is Christmas.

“Again we pass on our sincere thanks to all those who gave their time, not only today but for many months to ensure the parade has again been such a resounding success. We wish every New Zealander a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year,” says Mr McDermott.

ENDS

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