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.
Children blowing bubbles on a float at the Christmas Parade 2016
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Caroline Robinson, Town Crier of Palmerston North at the Christmas Parade 2016
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Palmerston North Playcentre's float at the Christmas Parade 2016
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Miss Manawatu and Miss Teen Manawatu at the Christmas Parade 2016
- Leith Haarhoff
View of floats on Church Street rolling towards The Square on a rainy day at the Christmas Parade 2016
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Manawatu Chinese Association float at the Christmas Parade 2016
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Children in nativity costumes at the Christmas Parade 2016
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Family on a float waving to crowds at the Christmas Parade 2016
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Cubs and Scouts float at the Christmas Parade 2016
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Kairanga School float at the Christmas Parade 2016
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Children carrying Love banners at the Christmas Parade 2016
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Bainese School Float at the Christmas Parade 2016
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Children on a school float at the Christmas Parade 2016