Ashburton’s iconic Kiddie Train will be ‘unwrapped’ to the community tomorrow at its first public outing since undergoing a $10k restoration.
The novelty train, first built in 1974, is now a ‘2025 edition’.
It has with a new chassis, new paint work and more safety features.
Festively decorated, it will be among the more than 50 floats taking part the NBS Ashburton Santa Parade along Walnut Ave on Saturday, from 12.30pm.
The theme this year is Unwrap the Joy of Christmas.
Organiser Carol Johns said while float decorations were a mystery to her, she was, once again, blown away by community support for the annual parade.
‘‘I’m shocked. This community is absolutely amazing, they just get behind it.
‘‘I’ve got 10 new people that have never been in it before.’’
New groups taking part included Idea Services, Superloo, Ashburton Family Go Kart Club and Mount Hutt College.
She said the theme, as chosen by last year’s float winners Phoenix Preschool, had meant the options for decorating floats was ‘‘pretty wide open’’ and the best themed float will win $500.
This year, the format of the parade will change and see muscle cars take the lead, followed by the Ashburton Pipe Band.
Car owners of the Carbs and Coffee group wanted to attend but were unable to drive at such as slow pace, Johns said.
‘‘They overheat at the pace we go, so they will go first,’’ she said.
‘‘I just think if you’re willing to put in the time and effort to come out for the people of Ashburton, I’m not turning you away.’’
Another change includes the gathering point for floats.
‘‘Ashburton College are letting us use their grass area off Belt Rd, so everyone can meet there … I was thinking I was going to have to find a new venue.’’
She said using the field kept excess vehicles off the roadways and kids could safely get on floats before entering the flotilla of the parade.
‘‘They will be meeting there, getting themselves ready and then coming down into Walnut Ave.’’
– NBS Ashburton Santa Parade is on Saturday along Walnut Ave (alongside the Ashburton Domain) from 12.30pm. Meanwhile the Ashburton Santa Parade Market Day, with 40 market stalls and children’s entertainment, is on in the domain from 10am.
