9th Nov 2023 UPDATE | Santa is on his way!

Can you believe it? Christmas is just six weeks away, and in three weeks, on December 3rd, the Warkworth Santa Parade is coming to town. The jolly old man himself will be there, riding in his sleigh with Mrs. Santa, spreading joy to all the children in Warkworth and the surrounding areas.

This parade is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business, school, or community group by participating with a float. Last year, it was one of the largest parades Warkworth had ever seen, with thousands of families lining the main street. What a wonderful way to promote your business!

We would be delighted to see as many floats as possible on December 3rd. The parade kicks off at 11 am from Baxter Street and concludes with a prize-giving ceremony on the wharf. There will be not only float prizes but also spot prizes up for grabs.

Our small team of five people organizes this parade, and we are always on the lookout for individuals who may want to get involved in the 2024 Santa Parade. We also need volunteers to help with road marshaling on the day to ensure everyone’s safety during the parade. If you can lend a hand, please reach out to me at murray@onemahurangi.co.nz or call me at 0274966550.

We are also continuously seeking businesses willing to contribute vouchers for spot prizes. Vouchers are preferred, as they keep the money circulating within your business. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you’d like to provide a spot prize or sponsor a part of the parade.

While the Santa Parade brings smiles and happiness to many, I must acknowledge that some people are feeling the pinch lately. Our town has been quiet, and there are those wondering if it is due to the new motorway. However, Marketview data indicates that, compared to many BID areas in Auckland, we are holding our own in terms of retail spending. The current economic climate might be causing people to be more cautious with their spending everywhere. However, as we get closer to Christmas, we hope to see a change in that behaviour.

We are collaborating with several retailers to encourage more businesses to open on Sundays, making Warkworth a vibrant and bustling destination for visitors. Promoting Warkworth as a destination is the next step in our plan, and we’re actively working on ideas for that too.

So, how can we all support our retailers and local businesses during this quieter period? It’s simple: Buy Local, Support Local, and Love Local. By coming together and focusing on helping each other, we can all thrive and prosper.

In summary, here are some simple steps to brighten up your day and those of your neighbours:

  • Participate in the Santa Parade with a float.
  • Contribute a spot prize for the Santa Parade.
  • Show your support for other businesses by Buying Local, Supporting Local, and Loving Local.

We are looking forward to seeing you all here at the Warkworth Santa Parade on Sunday the 3rd of December!


Murray Chapman
One Mahurangi Manager
murray@onemahurangi.co.nz
www.onemahurangi.co.nz

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