Tapanui woman Lil Hanna (92), whose husband Phil was one of the main instigators of the event, and Tammy Mawhinney show off the cake Mrs Mawhinney spent 300 hours making to mark the parade's 60th anniversary.
Tapanui West Otago (TWO) Promotions member Barbara Hanna said the parade was started 60 years ago by her father-in-law, Phil Hanna, who approached the local business association to organise a Christmas event for children.
The first parade featured a horse and gig travelling up the street and lollies were handed out to the children. It now involves floats, fancy dress, and a range of vehicles.
The parade, which starts at 7pm on Christmas Eve, is run by TWO Promotions, after the business association went into recess.
''A small subcommittee has been working since July to make sure everything is going to be right,'' Mrs Hanna said.
Shop windows are already decked out, and there is a trophy for the best display.
