Media release
30 November 2014

SANTA COMES TO TOWN
And brings a new friend or two

Santa has arrived in Auckland…and guess who he’s brought with him.

Apart from his myriad of festive friends, Santa arrived in Auckland today escorted by the official mascot for the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015.

The mascot is easily identifiable as being “very Kiwi” and walked the Farmers Santa Parade route with the jolly fellow in red. Later, the mascot was whisked off to Wellington to make his second appearance of the day at the Phoenix v Melbourne A-League clash.

And while the official mascot for the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 was a crowd-pleaser, it was definitely Father Christmas the thousands of spectators came to see.

Today was the 81st time Santa had arrived in Auckland as the central character of the Farmers Santa Parade and to officially usher in the festive season.

In her 26th year running the parade, organiser Pam Glaser says the parade was a visual feat with some new delights amongst the myriad of traditional festive floats and was delighted everything went without a hitch.

“Everyone loved the new vintage Circus extravaganza float which was a really innovative addition to the parade procession,” Pam says. “The float was topped with a one-tonne elephant and surrounded by 40 vintage circus themed performers who travelled down Queen Street in true 1920s style.”

Dave Beeche, CEO of the FIFA U-20 Local Organising Committee was also on site to witness the Christmas extravaganza and added: “This is an iconic part of Auckland’s annual Christmas festivities and we’re hugely grateful to Pam and her team for giving us the opportunity to globally launch our fantastic Official Mascot at this event.”

Character floats included The Penguins (from Madagascar), Adventure Time – Finn and Jake, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee from Transformers, Santa Bears, Mr and Mrs Potato Head, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Geronimo Stilton, Where’s Wally?, Spot the Dog and Peter Rabbit.

Other major attractions included two new additions to the parade, massive Disney helium inflatables; Olaf from Frozen and one of the aircraft from film Planes.

More than 4,000 people were involved in helping to ensure the parade ran smoothly. They ranged from a backstage team of hair and makeup artists to the costume team making last-minute repairs and touch ups, drivers towing the floats and traffic controllers closing off streets to create the parade route.

“Thousands of Aucklanders give up their everyday lives to make the Farmers Santa Parade such a delight every year for the kiddies – and grown-ups – of the city,” says Pam Glaser. “We simply can’t thank them enough.”

About the Farmers Santa Parade 2014
The 2.2 km parade route started in Mayoral Drive, turned left in to Queen Street, travelled down Queen Street before turning left again in to Customs Street West then heading up Albert Street ending at the corner of Albert and Wellesley Streets.

Charity
The Farmers Santa Parade supports the Child Cancer Foundation, who had 250 volunteers positioned along the parade route collecting donations. The Child Cancer Foundation aims to reduce the impact of cancer by offering support services that ensure children and their families are supported, informed and well cared for at every stage of their journey.

© Scoop Media