Jaycees’ effort

Press, 26 November 1981, Page 19

Jaycees’ effort

The Kaiapoi Jaycees will have a full working day on Saturday December 5, organising the annual procession and pageant. They have a membership of only 20, most of whom will be fully involved. The event has been held for many years, but this is the first time the Jaycees have assumed full responsibility. Previously, they assisted the businessmen on the day.

The chapter has also handled prior arrangements, seven members disguised as clowns will lead the fun and distribute balloons and another member will be compere.

The Jaycee convenor, lan Greenfield, hopes one thing: that water squirting along the procession route will fade away. It was started years ago by.clowns amongst the floats, then children on the sideline took up the practice until eventually “it got worse on us than at the kids.”

So, far about 35 fundraising activities at Murphy Park have been listed, which means that at least that

number of floats will appear in the procession — the rule being float first before finance.

The parade will assemble in Davie Street at 12.30 p.m. and depart at 1 p.m. The route is into Williams Street, then south over the traffic bridge to Raven Street and down to the park. Children in fancy dress and owners of decorated bicycles may parade or assemble at the park for judging. The winner of the floats will receive the Businessmen’s Association challenge shield and a cash prize. Bands and three teams of marching girls, will join the floats and any vintage cars would be welcomed. Father Christmas will be guest of honour. One of the more unusual fund-raising efforts at the park will be the opportunity to vent frustrations by helping to smash an old car. Entertainment will include displays of highland dancing, gymnastics by the Buckett’s club, marching and lolly scrambles and the fairground atmosphere will be enhanced with a merry-go-round and ferris wheel.