Thousands of people braved the hot and windy conditions on Saturday to welcome in the festive season at the AAM Timber Mount Gambier Christmas Parade on Commercial Street.
Event organisers thank the community, schools, businesses, sporting groups and volunteers who brought Christmas spirit to the heart of the city.
“It was amazing to see and feel the excitement and fun that this annual event brings each year. We appreciate the efforts of everyone involved to make it happen,” City of Mount Gambier Community Events Team Leader Xarnia Keding said.
Forty-nine entries competed for prizes judged on energy and engagement, creativity and effort.
“The judging panel was impressed with the quality of the floats involved in the parade this year. The new entries and the annual favourites really do bring that magic,” parade judge Sandy O’Donnell said.
“It was great to see the wonderful smiling faces both on the floats and in the crowd,” parade judge Kevin Douglas said.
2024 Category Winners
MOST OUTSTANDING ENTRY – Growing God’s Garden – St Martins Lutheran College – $750
BEST CHRISTMAS THEME – Yule Ku Lele Christmas – Arleyukes – $500
BEST CLUB OR COMMUNITY ORGANISATION ENTRY – The Night Before Christmas – HYPE Dance Mount Gambier – $250
OPEN CATEGORY – An Aussie Christmas – Mulga Street Primary School – $250
BEST THEMED BAND – Mount Gambier Blue Lake Highland Pipe Band – $250
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD – A Beyondafied Christmas – Beyond Early Learning Mount Gambier – $250
BEST NON-CITY ENTRY – A Magical Christmas – Compton Primary School – $250
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD – A Bluey Christmas – The Property Co – $250
BEST BRASS BAND – Mount Gambier City Band – $250
BEST SCHOOL ENTRY – Auslan Christmas – McDonald Park Primary School – $500
All prize money is donated by AAM Timber.
The livestream replay of the NF McDonnell and Sons Mount Gambier Christmas Parade is available to watch on the City of Mount Gambier Facebook page.
