The annual Te Puke Christmas Parade, seen as a major economic boost for the town, is scheduled for Saturday, December 4.

A scene from the 2009 Te Puke Christmas Parade.

The annual Te Puke Christmas Parade, seen as a major economic boost for the town, is scheduled for Saturday, December 4.

Focus Te Puke coordinator Lydia Wilkinson says excitement among businesses is already building.

The annual parade typically attracts about 5000 spectators from across the Bay of Plenty and organisers say that could be exceeded this year.

Every year thousands of spectators line Te Puke's main road, Jellicoe Street, as the parade does two loops of it.

About 3000 spectators attended last year's parade, despite heavy rain on the day.

'Everyone knows about it. Te Puke's only 25 minutes from most places in the region.”

Lydia says the annual parade also provides a huge economic boost for the town.

'It's a big deal for a small town with a population of just over 7000 people.”

State Highway 2 along Jellicoe Street in the centre of Te Puke will close for the parade. Detours will divert traffic around the town.

Along with the wide variety of floats, Lydia says the parade also features marching girls, a pipe band and a brass band.

Schools, businesses, charitable organisations and other groups are invited to submit a float.

Entries close on November 30 and it will cost each float $75 for a business and $50 for a club, community group, school or non profit organisation to enter.

For more information contact Lydia on 07 573 6772 or email: [email protected]