The much-loved NF McDonnell and Sons Christmas Parade is returning to Mount Gambier this November after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After two years of celebrating Christmas with Santa’s Boulevard, there is excitement building at the Mount Gambier City Council Depot, where volunteers are preparing floats for the first parade in the city since 2019.

Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said the Christmas Parade was a terrific day for everyone in the city, both young and old.

“The Mount Gambier Christmas Parade has been held every year since 1959, except for the last two years, so it is exciting to see the event return to the city streets,” Mayor Martin said.

“The parade is the largest regional South Australian event of its kind and we expect thousands of families to line Commercial Street to welcome Father Christmas to the city.”

Parade volunteer coordinator Greg Muller said volunteers had already started preparing for the parade, which will feature both old favourites and exciting new floats.

“We have got a terrific team of volunteers who spend a morning every week from July until the parade getting everything in great condition,” he said.

“After a couple of years of the boulevard, the team is excited to be heading back to the traditional parade.

The event has long been sponsored by Mount Gambier company NF McDonnell and Sons and chief executive Craig Nisbett said he and staff were proud to be associated with the annual Christmas Parade.

“NF McDonnell and Sons is a long-time supporter of the Christmas Parade and the return to the street in November is fantastic for the city and the thousands of people that line Commercial Street to welcome Father Christmas to the city,” Mr Nisbet said.

The NF McDonnell and Sons Christmas Parade will be held on November 19.