President Neill Price is encouraging the local community to come out in force to view a street parade on Saturday, November 2.
‘‘We are keen for the public to come and help us celebrate the occasion. Local people have been very good at supporting us over the years, particularly on Anzac Day.’’
But visitors are encouraged to come early, with road closures planned on Williams Street from Ohoka Road to Smith Street.
‘‘It’s in the interests of health and safety, so come early, have some lunch and enjoy the town and then watch the parade,’’ Mr Price says.
The parade will leave from Fuller Street at 2pm and continue along Williams Street, to finish at the Kaiapoi Cenotaph in Raven Quay.
The New Zealand Army Band will lead the parade, fresh from its recent success at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, where it received the Pooley Sword, awarded to the performers who made the greatest contribution to the event.
Following the army band will be a collection of military transport vehicles, a New Zealand Mounted Rifles contingent and a platoon from Burnham Army Camp ‘‘in full military dress’’.
Christchurch RSA president Pete Dawson and Royal New Zealand RSA president BJ Clark will be in the saluting parade.
The Kaiapoi Volunteer Fire Brigade will be driving a 1930s Dennis fire engine, while Kaiapoi St John, the Rangiora 88 Squadron Air Cadets and local Scouts and Girl Guides will also be in the parade.
Following the parade there will be a short service at the Kaiapoi Cenotaph, where Mr Price will unveil a stainless steel centenary plaque containing 99 crosses and a poppy.
Thanks to the Kaiapoi Garden Club, two wreaths will be laid at the cenotaph and one at the Kaiapoi Memorial Cemetery.
The weekend’s proceedings will get under way with a meet-and-greet for past and present members and their families at the Kaiapoi Club on Friday evening, where some special awards will be presented.
Kaiapoi North School pupils will give a musical performance and former HMNZS Pegasus Lieutenant-Commander and Kaiapoi Brass Band member Michael Gousmett will be a lone bugler.
On Saturday evening a dinner will be held for members at the Kaiapoi Club, with Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Ron Mark as the guest speaker.
Entertainment will be provided by a New Zealand Army Band quintet, Kaiapoi High School pupils and a lone bugler.
Some special awards, including a life membership, merit badge and certificate, will be presented.
Centennial committee chairwoman Kerry McCabe says a short church service will be held on the river terraces, next to the Port & Eagle Brewpub, at 11.30am on Sunday, with local church ministers and the Kaiapoi Brass Band, to complete the weekend’s festivities.
‘‘Hopefully it’s a beautiful day. We wanted to do something outside the square, with a chilled out vibe, rather than doing it in a church.’’
