Christmas decorations are up in the streets and the finishing touches are being added to the floats in readiness for Saturday’s 2022 NF McDonnell and Sons Mount Gambier Christmas Parade.

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the city will welcome back the parade with 49 floats travelling down Commercial Street.

Mount Gambier City Council Community Events Team Leader Xarnia Keding said spectators will see some exciting new floats, including Clarence the Clown, Christmas Elves, and Santa’s Phone, along with some recently restored favourite floats from previous parades.

“The Christmas Parade is made possible due to the incredible volunteers that work for months preparing for the big day, and the schools, sporting and community groups, and brass bands that make the day the spectacular event the parade is,” Ms Keding said.

Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said the 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.

“I thank everyone involved with the parade and in particular the Christmas Parade Advisory Group for their continued commitment, and to major sponsors NF McDonnell & Sons and WIN TV for their generosity in ensuring that our Christmas Parade will continue to delight the thousands of spectators lining the street to welcome Father Christmas.”

Brass bands will again be a thrilling addition to the floats, adding noise and colour to Commercial Street, with six bands, including two junior bands, marching in the parade.

Thousands of people are expected to line the streets for the event.

The return of the painted blue line runs along both sides of Commercial Street, and the public’s cooperation in observing the blue honour line is vital to ensure everyone remains safe.

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 parade begins at 11am at Crouch Street North, travelling west on Commercial Street to Vansittart Park.

Once the parade has finished, Father Christmas will attend the Party in the Park at the Cave Gardens/Thugi with live performances and children’s entertainment.