Community Gears Up for Seventh Annual MAZ Santa Parade

The community of Mangawhai is set to celebrate the festive season with the seventh annual Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) Santa Parade on December 14. Registrations are now open for participants wishing to enter their floats into this vibrant event, which promises a day filled with holiday cheer and community spirit.

Participants can enter a variety of floats including cars, trailers, small trucks, or even walking and dancing teams. The entry is free, providing local businesses, clubs, and sports teams with a high-visibility opportunity to connect with the community. Kate Arbuckle, chair of MAZ and parade coordinator, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event. She stated, “We’re looking forward to a vibrant day and the chance to show heartfelt thanks to all our park sponsors, donors, and volunteers.”

The parade will commence at 1 p.m. from Sellars Reserve on Alamar Crescent and will follow a familiar route through the Wood Street shopping centre, continuing along Molesworth Drive to the MAZ site. Santa Claus will also be present, distributing early Christmas gifts to children under 12, adding to the festive atmosphere.

In addition to the parade, the event will feature refreshment stalls and entertainment, culminating in a free community Christmas Concert from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.. Specific details regarding the concert will be announced closer to the date.

For those interested in participating, registration can be completed by contacting Kate Arbuckle at [email protected] or by calling 021 949 599. The MAZ Santa Parade is poised to be a highlight of the holiday season, encouraging community involvement and celebrating the joy of Christmas.