THE sound of Christmas cheer was echoed throughout the Blue Lake city on Saturday as the young and old marched along the main street for the annual NF McDonnell and Sons Mount Gambier Christmas Parade.
Full of colour and excitement, the vibrant event was watched by thousands who lined the street with their Santa hats and reindeer antlers as they waited patiently for a glimpse of Santa Claus.
From the regular favourites such as the Hansel and Gretel float to the new Bollywood-themed Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service entry, Mount Gambier City Council community events team leader Denise Richardson said it was a major success.
“It was a wonderful parade with one of the biggest crowds we have seen at around 16, 000,” she said.
“The floats were all really colourful and we had many different community groups who entered for the first time this year, which made it even more exciting.”
Attracting both locals and visitors alike, Ms Richardson said it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves and getting into the festive spirit.
“I had a number of people from outside of Mount Gambier approach me to say how they travelled from Adelaide or Warnambool to see our parade,” she said.
“It is fantastic to hear people from all different areas are making their way to Mount Gambier for the event.”
Taking part for the first time this year, Ballarat resident Georgia Cirak said she had heard a lot about the parade before visiting.
“We were in the city for the rock ‘n’ roll event and decided to tag along with the Mount Gambier Lake City Rock ‘n’ Roll Club and their Rocking All Over the World float,” she said.
“It was a lot of fun dancing along with others and sharing in the Christmas cheer.”
Raising money for the Mount Gambier Hospital renal dialysis unit, Mount Gambier and Districts Health Service staff and supporters won the accolade of the most outstanding entry this year for their Bollywood-inspired float.
Dancing their way down the street, the colourful entry was unanimously agreed on as a stand-out by the three judges, receiving a $750 prize.
“We were really impressed by the colour, enthusiasm and wow factor of this entry in the parade,” judge Lynne Dowling said.
Following the parade, festivities continued at the Cave Gardens with the Party in the Park.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West as a gesture of gratitude for the community’s support throughout the year, the event included performances by Margaret Cleves School of Dancing students, music, face painting, a range of food options and steam engine rides.
