Christmas magic ready to hit the streets

COMING BACK: Santa is set to bring some cheer to Mount Gambier as the Christmas Parade returns. Picture: file.

Aidan Curtis

Volunteers are already working hard to set the scene ahead of the Christmas Parade returning to Mount Gambier in November.

The Christmas Parade has not run since 2019, having been put on hold by the pandemic, with Santa’s Boulevard filling the gap in festive cheer in the interim.

After two years away, the team of volunteers behind the Parade have been donating their time to make sure it returns in a big way this year.

Volunteer coordinator Greg Muller said preparations are well underway, with volunteers working on both brand new floats and returning favourites.

“We’ve got a terrific team of volunteers who spend a morning every week from July until the Parade getting everything in great condition,” he said.

“After a couple of years of the boulevard, the team are excited to be heading back to the traditional Parade.”

Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said she is eager to see the Parade’s return as it brings a lot of joy to the city.

“The Mount Gambier Christmas Parade has been held every year since 1959, except for the last two years, so it is exciting to see the event return to the city streets,” she said.

“The Parade is the largest regional South Australian event of its kind, and we expect thousands of families to line Commercial Street to welcome Father Christmas to the city.”

Craig Nisbett, chief executive of Parade sponsors NF McDonnell and Sons, said bringing the festivities back to the street is fantastic for Mount Gambier and all the people who come to get a glimpse of Father Christmas.

The Christmas Parade will hit the streets on November 19.