The 2020 NF McDonnell and Sons Mount Gambier Christmas Parade will take the form of a static display at Blue Lake Sports Park due to COVID-19 requirements. The event will be held on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2020 and will provide an opportunity for residents to drive through to view a Christmas-themed display.
“Preparations are underway to create a Christmas spectacle held in a safe environment for the whole family,” City of Mount Gambier Community Events Team Leader Denise Richardson said.
The revised event, titled NF McDonnell and Sons Santa’s Boulevard, will be held from 7:00pm to 10:00pm on both nights with 15 floats on display including crowd favourites Bill the Steam Shovel, Teddy’s Bears Picnic and of course Father Christmas.
“The floats will be lined up on the eastern side of the main access road into Blue Lake Sports Park, with the public invited to drive through on the western side to view the display.”
The display will include music and lights and decorations throughout the trees.
“We will be inviting schools to decorate trees as part of the display as community participation is such an important part of the traditional parade and we want to retain as much involvement for future years as possible,” Ms Richardson said.
The revised format is the result of a decision last month to explore alternative options due to COVID-19 restrictions. City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM said it was important that the community are still able to experience the event, despite it not being held in its traditional form.
Council and the Christmas Parade Advisory Group considered it very important in this difficult year that we make a special effort to ensure that our residents still experience the spirit of Christmas and this will be a wonderful way to share in the magic while still adhering to COVID-19 requirements.- Mayor Martin
Christmas Parade naming rights sponsor NF McDonnell and Sons have thrown their support behind the adapted concept.
“We are pleased to see an alternative to the traditional parade being offered in these difficult circumstances and we hope everyone will embrace this concept,” NF McDonnell and Sons Director Ian McDonnell said.
Entry to the event will be via vehicle from Dohle Road with exit at Jubilee Highway East.
Further information about the event and other festivities planned in the City will be finalised in coming months.
Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Communications Officer Ashlea Watson at awatson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au or phone (08) 8721 2577.
