Santa Claus is coming to Balclutha after all

Clutha District Council community support and development adviser Jean Proctor (right) has handed over co-ordination of the Clutha Country Christmas Parade to a new team led by Clinton businesswoman Jo-anne Thomson (left). Photo: Richard Davison
Clutha District Council community support and development adviser Jean Proctor (right) has handed over co-ordination of the Clutha Country Christmas Parade to a new team led by Clinton businesswoman Jo-anne Thomson (left). Photo: Richard Davison
Despite concerns he might not make it, Santa is still coming to South Otago this summer.

Earlier this month, long-standing Clutha Country Christmas Parade organiser Jean Proctor issued a heartfelt appeal to the South Otago community to step up and support its annual Christmas Parade, which started in 2011.

In line with her council role at that time, Mrs Proctor had helped establish the parade, but said she had not expected still to be overseeing the event seven years later.

''As much as I've enjoyed getting it going, it needs a new and energised team behind it to take it to the next level, and I'm truly delighted with the amazing community response we've had to my appeal.''

Clinton businesswoman and former Clutha District councillor Jo-anne Thomson is taking the helm, leading an all-new team of 12.

Mrs Thomson said she had stepped forward to help as she knew what the parade meant to the district.

''It's a fun, free community event everyone can take part in, and that takes place at an important time of year for children and families. It's also good promotion for local businesses, so everyone benefits.''

Typically, the parade attracted between 30 and 40 floats from South Otago schools, community groups and businesses and, in keeping with previous years, would run alongside a Christmas market of about 40 stalls, on December 1.

As she was yet to meet formally with her new committee, Mrs Thomson was unable to comment on possible format changes to the $10,000 event this year.

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