Christmas Parade in Palmerston North 2016

Despite the drizzle and occasional shower, over 60 floats turned up and rolled through the Square. Even small children on the floats kept up the smiles and waving. The floats gathered at the Railway Lands between Pitt Street and the skatepark near Cook Street. The Kairanga Lions, who organised the entire event, directed the floats to their allotted place for judging. Judges awarded prizes based on community participation and quality of float design and decoration. The Mayor, Grant Smith awarded first prize rosettes to the best floats in the schools, community and commercial categories. The floats then filed onto Chruch Street and headed off towards The Square, led by the Town Crier, the Mayor, and Miss Manawatu and Miss Teen Manawatu. Crowds of people in rain coats and with umbrellas lined the streets and cheered. The floats proceeded around and through the Square before returning along Main Street back to Railway Lands.