More than 30,000 people turned out for Tauranga's Pak ‘N Save Pāpāmoa ‘Christmas in Candyland' Santa Parade in Pāpāmoa today say event organisers. And much to their delight, the sun came out and the rain held off.

Leading up to the day there was a lot of uncertainty around whether the weather would result in the parade having to be cancelled.

Pāpāmoa Unlimited events and marketing manager Julia Manktelow had kept a close eye across a range of weather websites and apps on Saturday, and even had been in contact with Tauranga Airport.

Mount Tyres won the Best Commercial Float Award. Photo: Supplied.

Up out of bed by 4.30am on Sunday, Julia headed down to Pāpāmoa Beach before making the final decision.

'I thought we might have to pull it. But I was decided we just couldn't cancel,” says Julia. 'There's been no parade for the last two years, this is the first time back since Covid. I held the line.”

The weather forecast showed the skies should be clear until around 1pm. The decision was made. The parade was on.

Julia made an announcement around 7am.

'Should we have a downpour at 10am we will video the floats to bring them online for your [public] judging.”

She didn't have to worry. The sun showed up, and so did thousands of Tauranga locals from all across the city, keen to not let the weather mar their Christmas community celebration. Already many had been dismayed at other Tauranga events, such as Carols on the Waterfront, and A Night Before Christmas, having to be cancelled.

Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller and Amaleigh Manktelow. Photo: Supplied.

The parade, which was due to start at 10.30am at the corner of Dickson Road and Longview Drive, made its way down Dickson Road, onto Domain Road and finishing at the Pāpāmoa Plaza.

'The road was lined with thousands of people. It's the biggest it's ever been,” says Julia. 'I want to thank the community for their support. We had a lot of challenges around the weather.”

Julia says there were 30 floats and organisations 'which is a little bit smaller than last time”. There were also 330 people walking, 49 vehicles, and 140 people on the floats.

The ‘Christmas in Candyland' themed parade was a celebration of businesses not just from Pāpāmoa but further afield, as well as not-for-profit community organisations, children, music and the whole community, says Julia.

'It was different this year. We've a hard year with the cost of living affecting businesses, and impacting on organisations being able to make floats. But all the organisations that came out were fantastic. Hare Krishnas, Te Puke Bagpipes, Tauranga Samba and the Falum Dafa were amazing. They made the parade have a better vibe.

'And to have Parafed Bay of Plenty, Achilles Tauranga and the Wheelchair Rugby -Bay Steam Rollers team involved was an exciting new addition to our inclusive community.”

George Sinclair rode in the Trailrider from Tauranga City Council with volunteers from Pāpāmoa Rugby Club steering it. Photo: Supplied.

Decision making by the float judges Pak ‘N Save Pāpāmoa owner Rob McGregor and Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller took place before the parade, with first prize for Best Not-for-Profit organisation going to Current Church.

The Best Commercial Float award went to Mount Tyres and Best Education Sector was awarded to The Blue Cottage Early Learning Centre. The People's Choice was awarded to Waiotahi Contractors Santa Sleigh which was built by Mike James.

The award for Best Overall Float went to Maungatapu Kindergarten.

"So great to see the floats and community back - Pāpāmoa was out in force - huge ups for Santa who must have been melting in his suit! Way different down here than to the North Pole." says Todd Muller.

Judges of the parade floats are Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller and Pak ‘N Save Pāpāmoa owner Rob McGregor. Pak ‘N Save Pāpāmoa sponsored the parade. Photo: Supplied.

Mount Tyres won the Best Commercial Float Award. Photo: Supplied.

Mount Tyres won the Best Commercial Float Award. Photo: Supplied.

On arrival at Pāpāmoa Plaza it was time to head off to the eateries and for Santa to have a break before he gets ready for his busy global flight on Christmas Eve.

'Christmas just about got cancelled for the Bay of Plenty because of the weather and it was wonderful to see there was something for people to bring their babies out to,” says Julia.

Next year she is planning to have a 'Fairy Tale Christmas' themed parade on December 10, which she believes should attract more schools and kindergartens to be involved on the earlier date.

'I am very thankful for everyone supporting us. Next year bigger and better. We are proud to be the official parade for the Tauranga. We're proud that the Grinch didn't steal our Christmas.”

Julia is also keen to remind everyone to head to Coronation Park at Mount Maunganui for Mount Mainstreet's Christmas Movie in the Park this evening. The free outdoor movie screening 8-Bit Christmas event will be screening from 7.30pm. Doors open at 6pm with food trucks, giveaway and games and people are encouraged to bring along a non-perishable food item to donate to local food banks.

The Best Education Sector float was awarded to The Blue Cottage Early Learning Centre. Photo: Supplied.

The Best Education Sector float was awarded to The Blue Cottage Early Learning Centre. Photo: Supplied.