Wairarapa Welcomes Holiday Spirit with First Christmas Parade

On December 2, 2023, Wairarapa celebrated its inaugural Christmas parade, drawing an impressive crowd of approximately 2,000 attendees. The event took place along Carterton’s main streets, from High Street to Broadway, culminating at Carrington Park, where festive spirits soared as Santa Claus presided over more than 30 vibrant floats.

Community Spirit Shines Bright

Mayor Steve Cretney expressed his enthusiasm for the event, calling it “a brilliant day.” He noted the significance of the parade in fostering community connections. “It was great to see so many people come together to celebrate the Carterton Rotary Christmas Parade in what can really only be described as perfect ‘Kiwi Christmas’ weather,” he stated. Cretney highlighted the parade’s role in setting a festive tone for the upcoming holiday season and looked forward to other free Christmas events scheduled in Carterton.

The parade featured a diverse array of floats, showcasing everything from hot rod cars and vintage tractors to local school bands. Rod O’Leary, the co-ordinator for the Rotary Christmas parade, described the turnout as “awesome,” praising the community for its participation. “It was a great crowd. The weather was outstanding. It was a typical Kiwi country Christmas and a glorious Carterton day,” he added.

Support and Contributions

Mayor Cretney extended his gratitude to the organisers, local businesses, schools, and community groups for their contributions towards the event’s success. He emphasized that the Carterton council had allocated up to $8,000 to support the parade, underscoring the collaborative effort that went into making it happen. The event not only marked the festive season but also reinforced community bonds, with attendees of all ages enjoying the holiday atmosphere.

The successful parade reflects the spirit of togetherness that defines Carterton and sets a joyful precedent for future celebrations in Wairarapa.