The Howick Santa Parade was a great success despite the rain.
Thousands turned out to see more than 60 walking groups, muscle cars and floats and the big man himself, Santa.
The expectation of heavy downpours proved unfounded. It is believed to be the first time it has rained during the parade.
The winner of the best float competition was Cockle Bay Primary School; second was Howick, Bucklands Beach & Pakuranga Playcentres and third was Howick Historical Village.
Organiser Bo Burns said, “Well Howick, all I can say is that was certainly an endurance test and a good indicator of our committee and volunteers’ determination to get through the 69th parade.
“But despite the weather, we got there. By 12noon the community was arriving in droves.
“I walked around the back to capture the feel of all the float setup, and all I could hear and see was a “carnival of fun” happening around the back, laughter, singing, smiling children, people just getting amongst the parade.
“I looked down Wellington street, and felt a wave of emotion as I could see hundreds of people walking up Wellington Street.
“All I could see was umbrellas as far back walking in single file from the Howick Domain. The people were coming, the parade was again to be a success.”
