The South Otago Festival Trust is hosting a revamped "Christmas Celebration" for Balclutha and the wider Clutha district on Saturday, and entries for the parade and market are still open.
The Christmas Celebration will include the Clutha Country Christmas Market, Can Cruise by the Big River Bikers and a Christmas parade followed by entertainment.
South Otago Festival Trust event co-ordinator Jean Proctor said the parade was a new event for the trust, replacing the annual Christmas concert.
Community groups, businesses, clubs, teams, and individuals were encouraged to take part in the parade.
Mrs Proctor said participation was varied and could include decorated floats, individual costume decoration, team marching and activities.
About 20 entries had been received so far, with 50 registering for a market stall.
Starting in Balclutha at 9am, the Big River Bikers will travel to Kaitangata, Clutha Valley and Clinton before returning to Balclutha in time to be in the parade's finale and deliver canned goods to the Salvation Army's food bank.
The parade will begin at 1pm at Shand House and travel down Clyde St. A section of State Highway 1 will be closed during the parade and detours will be in place.
Following the parade there will be entertainment in a closed-off part of Elizabeth St.
Acts will include South Otago musicians Vickie Evans and Paige Gardner.
A marquee will be erected in the event of poor weather.
People interested in taking part in the parade or running stalls can register until 5pm today. Forms can be downloaded from www.cluthacountry.co.nz or collected from Development House in John St.
