Auckland Farmers Santa Parade 2011
Auckland Farmers Santa Parade 2011
The Farmers Santa Parade began in 1934 – this year marks the 78th anniversary. Back then thousands of parents and children lined the footpaths to witness Auckland's first real Christmas street spectacle. The parade was led by several highly decorated carts pulled by creatively-adorned horses and were accompanied by a pack of colourful characters such as Waggles and Goggles, Man and the Giant and The Big Fiddle.
The parade has grown over the years to become the spectacular show it is today with a mix of modern and traditional floats and character-based costumes. The philosophy behind it remains true to the wishes of Farmers founder Robert Laidlaw 77 years ago - a gift of festivity and fantasy for the children of Auckland city.
When: Sunday 27 November, 2011 (rain date Sunday 4 December).
Should the Farmers Santa Parade need to be postponed due to the weather, an announcement will be made on Newstalk ZB after 10:00am on Sunday 27 November.
Start times:
1:00 pm: Pre-parade entertainment, product
sampling and giveaways
2:00pm: The Farmers Santa
Parade begins
3:15pm: Santa’s Party kicks off
in Aotea Square.
The numbers
2.2
kilometres – Total distance of the parade
route
50 minutes – Approximate time it takes for
the parade to pass each spectator
1 hour and 30
minutes – Approximate time it takes for the first
float to cross the start line and the last float to cross
the end line
4,000 – Number of people involved
in the 2011 parade
Eight weeks – Approximate
time it takes to make an average float
12 months
– Time it takes to organise the parade – organisation
for next year’s parade begins basically as soon as Santa
takes off his boots this year!
Around 200 –
Items in the parade procession
Parade highlights – 2:00pm start
This year's parade features an exciting opening Christmas Elf float, as well as the new Latin Fiesta and Ima Rock Lobster floats. Giant inflatables including Bob the Builder, Christmas Kiwi, Snowman, Reindeer, Mr Potatohead Fireman, Brachiosaurus, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck will wow the crowds.
Characters from the popular new TV show ‘The Amazing World of Gumball’ join other favourites including Kung Fu Panda, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Ben 10, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Care Bears Cheer Bear and Pokémon’s Pikachu.
The Farmers Santa Parade hits Auckland with fun and entertainment for the whole family.
Santa’s Party – from 3:15 in Aotea Square
Everyone is welcome at Santa’s Party which features continuous stage show entertainment including the Wot Wots, characters from Happy Feet 2 and a Christmas magician – just to name a few!
There will also be rides, stalls, celebrities and giveaways – and a special appearance from Santa himself.
Parking and transport to the Parade
Free parking is available at the
following Auckland City Parks but only if you are parked by
12 noon:
• Downtown
• Victoria
Street
• Karangahape Rd
For information on Bus, Train and Ferry schedules and fares including family and group passes visit www.maxx.co.nz or call the MAXX Contact Centre on 09 366 6400.
Parade route
The 2.2 km parade route starts in Mayoral Drive, turns left into Queen Street, travels down Queen Street before turning left again into Customs Street West then heading up Albert Street, ending at Albert and Wellesley Streets.
Road
closure
All inner city roads will be closed between
12 noon and 4pm on Sunday 27 November 2011. People are
advised to get into the city before 12 noon to avoid
frustration with traffic and parking.
Wheelchair
access
An area is available in front of the Scenic
Hotel at 380 Queen Street for wheelchairs. Phone (09) 377
6192 to get a pass.
The BIG Little City blue
‘honour’ line
The BIG Little City honour line is
painted along the Farmers Santa Parade route. The police ask
that all parade spectators stay behind the line while
watching the parade.
Leukaemia & Blood
Foundation
This year’s Farmers Santa Parade charity
is the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation. Collectors will be out
prior to the parade seeking donations to support the charity
that is committed to improving the quality of life for
patients and their families living with leukaemia, lymphoma,
myeloma and related blood conditions. Please bring a gold
coin along on the day for the collectors!
www.santaparade.co.nz
ENDS