The Raetihi Christmas Carnival and Parade day keeps growing.

No one can remember how long Raetihi has been having a Christmas Parade, but locals agree it’s been a fixture on the towns calendar for many years.

Alison Hope has been the main co-ordinator since 2009, and every year she strives to add something new to the line up. “I feel it’s important to have new and different things, to keep people interested and give them something else to experience”.

This years event, on December 10, has a new ‘Heritage Christmas Cake” competition, where people can bust out their favourite recipes and show that Grandma knew a thing or two. Just a bread and butter plate sized cake is required to enter, they will be judged on the day of the parade, and there are cash prizes.

Also new for this year, is the opportunity to meet Santa before the parade at midday. He will be in his cave from 10am until 11am for photo opportunities with the kids.

The decorated bike contest has expanded and there are now categories for bikes, trikes, scooters and prams.

Members of the committee will be wandering the closed off section of Seddon street and handing out spot prizes to people who come in fancy dress with Christmas colours.

The Float parade at noon is always a big drawcard, but there will be live music and entertainment from local bands from 9am when the stalls open.

Bring some dry clothes, or a rain poncho, and test your nerves on the Drench! Throw a ball at the target, and if you hit it, the person on the chair gets drenched by a bucket of water. Are you game to sit on the chair?

“I’ve got a great committee this year” said Alison, “it’s wonderful to have new people and new ideas, and the more helpers the better”.

Date: 10 December
Time: Stalls and music from 9am, parade at noon

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