Look who was in town

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.

City of Mount Gambier Community Events Team Leader Xarnia Keding said 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.

Forty-nine entries competed for prizes judged on energy and engagement, creativity and effort.

Parade judge Sandy O’Donnell said 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,” she 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 SCHOOL ENTRY – Auslan Christmas – McDonald Park Primary School – $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

All prize money is donated by AAM Timber.

The livestream replay of the Mount Gambier Christmas Parade is available to watch on the City of Mount Gambier Facebook page.