Entries are now open for this year’s Mount Gambier Christmas Parade, sponsored by AAM Timber.


The parade will be held on Saturday, November 16 at 11am.


Community groups, sporting clubs, schools, businesses and individuals are being encouraged to enter the annual tradition.


Mount Gambier City Council Community Events Team Leader Xarnia Keding said the parade would see thousands of spectators line Commercial Street to watch the colourful floats, cheerful characters, bands and dancers pass by, waiting in anticipation for the jolly man himself – Santa.


“The parade signifies the start of the festive season in Mount Gambier and really brings Christmas spirit to the city,” she said.


“Entries can be large or small. You can walk, skip, ride, dance or sing your way down the main street.


“Christmas parade volunteers have started working on the floats for the parade, bringing some additional magic to the event.”


Award categories include Most Outstanding Entry, Best Christmas Theme, Best School Entry, Best Club or Community Organisation Entry, Open Category, Best Themed Band, Encouragement Award, Best Non-City Entry and Best Brass Band.


There is more than $3500 in total prize money to be won. Entries will be judged individually on creativity, effort, visual appeal, energy and engagement. Entrants are eligible for any award, with only one prize per entry.


There is no charge to enter, and entry forms and guidelines are available here.


Printed entry forms are available from the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre, Civic Centre and the Mount Gambier Library.


Entries close on Wednesday, October 16 at 5pm.