Te Awamutu Xmas Parade 2023
A colourful float makes its way past The News’ camera. Photo: Jeremy Smith.
Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade took home two accolades – best overall float and best service club and community group float – at Sunday’s Rotary Christmas Parade.
While it rained on the Cambridge parade which began three hours later, the showers held off for the most part of the Te Awamutu event.
Only drizzle eventuated, and it certainly didn’t deter participants, with almost 30 floats taking part.
Other winners were Aon Insurance Brokers, which won the best commercial
or business float accolade and Te Awamutu Community Health Transport Trust which won best family float.
The people’s choice award went to Te Awamutu Playcentre.
The runner up in the best service club and community group float category went to Te Awamutu Sports and Recreation Club and the best commercial or business float runner up was Waipa Networks.
The Rotary Club of Te Awamutu – with help from several other organisations like Waipā District Council and the Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board – has helped run the parade since 2018.
Club treasurer Chris Kay, who is also on the parade organising committee, told The News organisers were delighted with how Sunday played out and with the community spirit which was on display.
“I am so pleased. It is a busy time of year, so we are grateful that people take the time to enter floats. The amount of work some put in is astounding.
“From my point of view, seeing the excited crowd lining the street is fantastic.”
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- Waipā King County Life Education Trust educator Abby Miles with Harold.
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- Rosetown Lions of Te Awamutu president Sue Goodridge smiles at Sunday’s crowd as she makes her way past in her yacht.
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- The Te Awamutu and districts pipe band begins its walk down Alexandra St. Te Awamutu members were supported by members of the Cambridge and districts pipe band, the Te Kuiti and districts pipe band and Bay of Plenty pipes and drums.
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- Louise Zakrzewski, a Rotary Exchange student from France, left, and Rotary Te Awamutu members Tracy Hemingway and Kylie Brewer carry the banner at the front of Sunday’s parade.
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- Christie Anderson waves to the crowd from aboard the Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade float which won two awards on Sunday – best overall float and best service club and community group float.
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- As he surveyed Sunday’s parade from his vantage point, Santa certainly approved.
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- Te Pahu and Te Awamutu Pippins joined forces in a creative vantage point on Sunday. Pictured from left were Te Awamutu Pippin Thea Atkins and Te Pahu Pippins Phoebe Flexman and Gabriella Burger.
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- Milli, left, and Lexi Easton – pictured with grandparents Michelle and Phillip Kite – had a great vantage point for Sunday’s Christmas Parade.
It rained on our parade, but no one cared
3 December 2023
Te Awamutu constable Ryan Fleming – behind the wheel of his police car – led Sunday’s Rotary Christmas Parade from the front. Photo: Jeremy SmithTe Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade took home two accolades – best overall float and best service club and community group float – at the Christmas Parade today.
Forecast rain fortunately held off for the most part at the parade.
Only drizzle eventuated, and it certainly didn’t deter participants, with almost 30 floats taking part.
Other winners were:
Best commercial or business float: Aon Insurance Brokers.
Best family float: Te Awamutu Community Health Transport Trust.
People’s Choice Award – Te Awamutu Playcentre.
