Community
It’s the biggest day of the year in Invercargill this Saturday, when 20,000 people descend on the city centre to watch the annual Santa Parade.
With new manager Alice Lee (led by trustee Alice Pottinger last year), at the helm, the committee is on track for Saturday, but there have been a few challenges along the way.
The hour-long parade, which runs from 1pm to 2pm is growing bigger every year - featuring an eclectic mix of multi-cultural displays, marching girls and medieval sword fighters, amongst the family-friendly floats.
Showcasing the best of what Southland has to offer, Alice said there were a few more entrants from the not-for-profit sector this year (35), including Chinese and Samoan groups performing.
Invercargill Central Centre Manager Kelvin Mooney is reminding shoppers about temporary car park restrictions during Saturday’s Santa Parade.
Access to the centre’s multi-level car park will be restricted from 1.00pm to 2.30pm as the parade moves through the CBD.
“You’ll be able to get out of the car park whenever you’d like,” Kelvin said.
“But if you want to pop into Invercargill Central to get those great bargains and get into our eatery, you’ll need to be in by 1 o’clock on Saturday.”
He encouraged families to arrive early and make a day of it.
“Come down before 1 o’clock, enjoy the parade, and then grab those bargains right through till 6. Our food court’s open till 9 o’clock.”
The Santa Parade is expected to draw big crowds, with Invercargill Central open all day and offering extended dining options.
The parade has been supported well by the local business community for years, and the Gala afternoon that follows from 2-4pm, gave children a chance to get up close to the floats - some of which were interactive.
Alice said this year they had more food vendors so people can enjoy a picnic in the park after the parade, and the Ascot Park Invercargill Brass Band would perform as it had after every event.
Watch the livestream on the What's On Invers Facebook page.
