GAY CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL AT KAIAPOI TOMORROW

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31547, 8 December 1967, Page 7

GAY CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL AT KAIAPOI TOMORROW

Kaiapoi will become a gay carnival centre tomorrow morning when the annual Christmas procession, sponsored by the Kaiapoi Businessmen’s Association, follows a route from Ohoka Road through the centre of the town to Trousselot Park, when an official welcome will be extended to Father Christmas. .........,......

The procession will be bigger than ever with almost 20 floats entered by various community organisations. Eight clowns will amuse the spectators with their antics, between the passing of vintage cars, two bands, a steam engine, and five champion cars from the Custom Car Club, which will be on display later.

The four marching teams will include Kaiapoi Metropolitan midget team which has been selected to represent Canterbury at the national championships and the junior team selected to represent Canterbury at the South Island contest

The association’s challenge shield will be presented to the sponsors of the winning float; for the last two years, that of the Canterbury Dairy Farmers, Ltd. At Trousselot Park, Father Christmas will be officially welcomed and greeted joyfully by the town’s junior population. On a special dias, Father Christmas will listen to as many children’s secrets as possible, but those youngsters on the end of the queue need not be disappointed as he will be pleased to receive visits during his stay in Kaiapoi until Christmas. From next Monday until December 22, he will be present each afternoon and the two Friday evenings, at 52 High Street, and all children accompanied by adults will receive a small gift of sweets and a balloon. It is hoped to arrange a three day visit by Father Christmas to the Kaikanui block also.

Spectators will be entertained by all the fun of the fair at Trousselot Park, including giant lolly scrambles from the bucket of the Kaiapoi Borough Council’s hoist, marching displays and competitions, which are yet a mystery for the children. Youngsters are invited to enter the sections for fancy dress or decorated cycles and may either take part in the procession or meet at the park. Local organisations will man various types of stalls, offer jet boat rides or provide impromptu barbecue meals, to raise funds for community projects. Most of the festivities will end about mid-day, but for those who want more, a carnival will be held by the North Canterbury Inter-club swimming committee at the Kaiapoi pool at 2 p.m. The Kaiapoi Swimming Club will man a barbecue and temporary shop at the poolside. Keen interest is expected as a large entry has been received from Culverden and at present Kaiapoi and Rangiora share the lead with equal points in the committee's pennant competition.