Change in store for Christmas parade

Once upon a time Santa rode an elephant in the Gore Christmas parade but this year the elephant will look more like a red sleigh.

A photo taken in the 1950s from the H&J Smith archive library is the only confirmed information regarding an elephant in the parade.

Gore District arts and heritage curator Jim Geddes said he did not know why the elephants were in the parade.

Despite the lack of elephants this year’s parade will feature floats from previous parade entrants and first-time entrants.

Elsie St Kindergarten have entered a float themed "Christmas in Gore".

Kindergarten head teacher Cara Sharp said they had entered since before she arrived at the kindergarten 13 years ago.

"It’s well and truly a culture of our kindergarten to participate," Ms Sharp said.

About 30 pupils would be in the parade, she said.

Gore District Council senior events co-ordinator Jessica Swan said everyone from schoools to emergency services were in the parade.

"It is special because we can’t do the parade without [the commuity]. It’s really cool. They want to be there and show off their Christmas spirit," Ms Swan said.

She estimated 35 floats had entered.

Floats would be judged differently this year, she said.

"In the past judging and prize-giving was done after the parade. This year it will happen during the lineup for the parade."

The winners would get a rosette to display during the parade.

By Ben Andrews