THIS year’s NF McDonnell and Sons Mount Gambier Christmas Parade is just over a week away and excitement is building following the unveiling of a new float.
For three months, Mount Gambier City Council staff, artist Mel Cecotti of Psychotti Art and a team of dedicated volunteers have been working on a pine tree themed float for the major event sponsor.
Named Timber Toy Town, the new float features a silhouette of pine trees resembling the NF McDonnell and Sons logo and other trees made of timber in vibrant colours and patterns.
“It is very fitting to have such an iconic, long-standing family business involved with this family-oriented community event and we are very grateful for the support of NF McDonnell and Sons,” council community events team leader Denise Richardson said.
Three generations of the McDonnell family were present at the council’s depot for the unveiling of the new float last week.
“This is the second year NF McDonnell and Sons has been involved with the Christmas parade and we are thrilled with the result of the new float,” managing director Ian McDonnell said.
“The float is a credit to the volunteers who have been working hard for a number of months and it really shows the depth of community spirit in Mount Gambier.
“We also love how the artist has cleverly worked our logo into the design.”
Part of the project brief was to ensure timber elements featured on the float to showcase the key product of the sawmilling company.
“The timber theme allowed me to use stencils and different patterns to bring the trees to life, as well as using opaques, metallic highlights, glitter and gradients,” artist Mel Cecotti said.
A team of five volunteers assisted with the float build, each bringing valuable skills to the project.
“Having been around for 75 years, NF McDonnell and Sons look forward to a long involvement with this iconic community event,” Mr McDonnell said.
“I’m most looking forward to seeing my grandchildren and the children of our employees enjoying themselves on the float on parade day.”
Community groups, sporting clubs, schools, businesses and individuals have entered the parade for a chance to win $3500 in prize money.
All entries will be independently judged on criteria such as creativity, effort, visual appeal, energy, crowd engagement and creative use of recycled material.
Now in its 59th year, the NF McDonnell and Sons Mount Gambier Christmas Parade will start at 11am on Saturday November 17, travelling west from the intersection of Commercial Street East and Crouch Street South and finishing at the Wehl Street and Commercial Street West intersection.
