A diamond day for Auckland kiddies

News release

29 November 2008

A diamond day for Auckland kiddies

The sun shone on the annual Farmers Santa Parade as Father Christmas came to town today to the glorious roars of the estimated 250,000-strong crowd of mums, dads and littlies.

In its diamond jubilee year, the Farmers Santa Parade wound its way through the heart of Auckland city in what organisers are saying was the biggest and best for many a year.

“We’ve had 75 years of Farmers Parades and 2008 has to be at the top of the list for both fun and fantasy,” says Chairman of the Auckland Children’s Christmas Parade Trust Michael Barnett.

“I hesitate to single out any one float, they were all brilliant. But didn’t you just love the giant inflatable Dr Seuss characters. And Kung Fu Panda was hugely popular with the kiddies.

“I can’t thank enough the 4,000 volunteers who helped out with the parade this year; without them this fantastic event simply could not happen.”

Proudly leading the 2008 parade in her role as Grand Marshal – and getting a huge welcome from the crowd – was New Zealand Sports Person of the Year and Olympic gold medallist Valerie Vili.

And volunteer collectors for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF) out and about amongst the crowd report an excellent response to their requests for donations.

“Aucklanders really got into the Christmas spirit this year and their generosity will help save lives of children diagnosed with Leukaemia,” says Mr Barnett. “It will put a little sparkle into the lives of New Zealanders and their families living with leukaemia and blood related diseases,”

Farmers Santa Parade organiser Pam Glaser says she is thrilled with the event.

“Once again we’re wrapt with the reaction that Santa got as he made his way through Auckland City.

“This was a great 75th Anniversary Farmers Santa Parade and we look forward to a long a festive future bringing the magic of Christmas to Auckland’s children.

The Auckland Farmers Santa Parade is proudly brought to you by: Farmers

Auckland City, Heart of the City, TVNZ, Auckland Chamber of Commerce,

Barfoot & Thompson, Fonterra Brands (Tip Top) Limited, John Andrew Ford

Spotlight Limited, Newstalk ZB, Classic Hits and Pascoes

ENDS

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