ENTRIES are now open for this year’s NF McDonnell and Sons Mount Gambier Christmas Parade.
Now in its 59th year, the parade will be held on Saturday, November 17.
With more than $3500 in prize money to be won, Mount Gambier City Council has encouraged community groups, sporting clubs, schools, businesses and individuals to fill in an entry form.
“It’s always a fabulous day with children and their families lining the streets to mark the beginning of the festive season in Mount Gambier and participants always comment on what a fantastic time they have had taking part in the parade,” community events team leader Denise Richardson said.
There are 10 prize categories with the top prize of $750 awarded to the most outstanding entry.
Other categories include best Christmas theme, best school entry, best club or community organisation entry, open category, best themed band, encouragement award and best non-city entry.
A new category this year is the best use of recycled resources, sponsored by Community Action for Sustainability (CAS).
Mount Gambier Lions Club donates prize money for the best brass band award, while major sponsor NF McDonnell and Sons provides prize money for the other awards.
Community Action for Sustainability will offer a $250 cash prize for the best entry with a focus on sustainability and the use of recycled materials.
“We really appreciate the opportunity to make a contribution to making Mount Gambier a cleaner and greener community via this iconic event and look forward to seeing what entrants might produce from recycled materials,” CAS Secretary Jenny Cox said.
All entries will be independently judged on criteria including creativity, effort, visual appeal, energy, crowd engagement and creative use of recycled material.
Visit www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/christmasparade to download an entry form or pick up a printed copy from the Mount Gambier Visitor Centre, Mount Gambier Library, civic centre or Main Corner complex.
Entries close on October 31 at 5pm.
