Howick Santa Parade Hosts Movie Screening to Fundraise for Tradition

Families in east Auckland are invited to a special movie screening on September 20, 2024, featuring the animated film Ratatouille. The event aims to support the Howick Santa Parade, a cherished community tradition that has delighted locals for 72 years. With over 40,000 attendees each December, the parade is a highlight of the festive season, but this year faces financial challenges due to cancelled fundraising events.

The parade committee has organized this screening at Uxbridge Arts and Culture to help close the financial gap created by low community engagement in previous fundraising efforts. “We’ve had to cancel several fundraising events this year due to limited response, which has put pressure on our ability to deliver the same high-quality parade our community loves,” said Candice Baker, a spokesperson for the parade committee.

This year’s movie screening promises to be a fun-filled day for families, with showings at 11:00 and 15:00. Individual tickets are priced at $15, while a family pass for four costs $50. Tickets can be purchased online at https://uxbridge.org.nz/product/ratatouille-2007/.

In addition to the movie, attendees will enjoy popcorn, refreshments, and appearances from beloved characters of the Santa Parade. All proceeds from the event will contribute directly to this year’s parade, which relies heavily on community support.

The Howick Santa Parade is not just an event; it is a collaborative effort involving local schools, clubs, non-profits, businesses, entertainers, and countless volunteers. The parade transforms the streets of Howick into a vibrant spectacle of floats, dancers, car displays, and festive music, creating joy for all ages. “This parade belongs to the people of Howick,” Baker emphasized. “It’s a celebration of everything we love about our local community. Every ticket sold helps ensure that this cherished tradition continues.”

For those unable to attend the movie screening, there are alternative ways to support the parade. Community members can volunteer, sponsor, or donate directly via the official parade website. Interested individuals can find information about volunteer sign-ups, float registrations, and market stall bookings at www.howicksantaparade.co.nz.

As the event approaches, the parade committee remains hopeful that this movie screening will rally the community’s spirit and ensure that the magic of the Howick Santa Parade remains a highlight for families in the area.