Media Release auckland - 1
18 November 2008

Farmers Santa Parade turns 75

Kung Fu Panda or Dr Seuss™? It doesn’t matter where your loyalties lie, there’s a favourite character for you in this year’s Auckland Farmers Santa Parade.

The Parade is this year celebrating its diamond anniversary with all the sparkle of an extravagant and magical event for the city’s kiddies and their families.

Santa comes to the Heart of Auckland the BIG little city at 2pm on Sunday 30 November (rain date 7 December) and he’s bringing more helpers than ever.

High – literally – on the must-see list are four giant Dr Seuss-themed characters - the helium-filled inflatable ‘floats’ measure around 15 metres tall.

Kiddies can be sure the yuletide parade is a happening thing even though Grinch – infamous for wanting to steal Christmas – is in the Parade. Grinch is accompanied by Dr Seuss favourites Cat in the Hat™, Horton the Elephant™ and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish™.

And it’ll be all arms and elbows flailing as Kung Fu Panda makes his New Zealand debut, creating his own style that turns a panda’s weaknesses into his strengths, no doubt to the collective screams of fans.

The iconic Farmers Santa Parade is marking its special diamond milestone with an array of additional new floats and a vibrant cast that’s sure to kick off the festive season in glittering style.

“This year’s Parade is a must-see,” says organiser Pam Glaser. “To celebrate the anniversary we’re bringing the fantasy and fun of the season to Auckland in a way that’s never been done before.”

The inflatable floats have been specially brought in from America and have their own dedicated operators who will be assisted by Parade volunteers to ensure they remain anchored to the Parade route.

Peter Taylor is the man behind the scenes whose enviable job it is to put together the Santa Parade floats, something he has been doing for around 35 years.

“The Auckland Farmers Santa Parade is the biggest Parade in the country, and the floats this year are really the best yet to mark what is a special anniversary,” Mr Taylor says from his secret workshop. “I’m sure they’ll bring a smile to the faces of many an Aucklander.”

The Farmers Santa Parade starts at the corner of Mayoral Drive and Cook Street and travels down Mayoral Drive. It turns in to Queen Street and heads all the way down to Custom Street West, then left into Albert Street, ending at the corner of Albert and Wellesley Streets.

The Parade is followed by an After Party in Aotea Square featuring Funky Monkeys, Triple8 Funk, Total Cheerleaders , Ronald McDonald, A Kiss Goodbye and of course Santa!

For more information on the Farmers Santa Parade check out www.santaparade.co.nz

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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