Kawerau Christmas in the Park
16 December 2014
KAWERAU’S Prideaux Park hosted the town’s annual Christmas in the Park on Saturday.
Events and community activities team leader Lee Barton said 20 floats toured the town’s central business district with thousands of spectators lining the streets.
The 1XX Community Concert ran from 1pm to 6pm followed by the evening show from 7pm to 10pm and a fireworks display, which drew the night to a close.
Mr Barton said the concerts provided a fantastic blend of artists.
Rain last week reduced the fire risk and enabled the fireworks to go ahead.
Santa’s message for the crowds this year was one of loving your children, spelled out in both te reo Maori and English.
Mr Barton said it was a special evening for those working behind the scenes as the organiser of the evening concert, Monty Morrison, announced his retirement.
The evening’s MC, Russell Harrison, also announced he would retire from hosting the event, but not before a final song, Stevie Wonder’s I Just Called To Say I Love You.
Source: Whakatane Beacon