It’s the festive season, and every year, the TBA supports the Santa Parade, which starts with the Santa Dash and ends with Whānau Day. This year, we’re also running an Advent Adventure.
Below you’ll find everything you need to attend the events or to register as a participant.
Advent Adventure • December 1 – 25
Christmas is just around the corner, and to bring some festive cheer to the Thames community, the Thames Business Association is running an Advent Adventure.
Shoppers • How to Enter
- Find out the business/es of the day through local media
- Visit the business on THAT day
- Take a photo of the window display (diorama, poster or other festive display), including the number.
- Share your photo on social media, making sure to tag the business AND the Thames Business Association
- OR email your photo to the Thames Business Association immediately
- Aim to enter for ALL 25 Days and go in the bonus draw and win a voucher worth $200+
Businesses • How to get involved
If you’re a Thames Ward business (from Waikawau to Hikutaia) and would like to be involved as a featured business, register via this Google form before November 24th.
Santa Dash + Santa Parade + Whānau Day • Saturday, December 9
10:45 am Santa Dash • Corner of Cochrance & Pollen Street
11am Santa Parade • Corner of Cochrance & Pollen Street
12pm Whānau Day • Te Kura o Te Kauaeranga
1pm Prize-Giving • Te Kura o Te Kauaeranga
All those who are aged 16+ are encouraged to get their dash on – in a Santa outfit of course – for this popular event that kicks of the day.
And then after the Dash, the floats and marchers parade down Pollen St.
Everything concludes at Te Kura o Te Kauaeranga where Whānau Day then unfolds.
The Santa Dash will raise funds for the new Porritt Park Destination Playground and Changing Places Facility.
This year’s Santa Parade Floats have been broken down into the following 8 Categories:
- Best Community / NGO
- Best Sport / Recreational
- Best Youth
- Best Cultural
- Best Business
- Best Education I (Kōhanga, ECE)
- Best Education II (Primary, High School, Wintec, Adult Learning)
- Best Education III
Activities at Whānau Day will include:
- Rock Climbing Wall (8m x 15m x 8m high)
- Scooby Doo Multiplay
- All Stars Basket Ball
- Dunking Tank
- Safari Ride (all of the above are provided by Rock Up Adventure Activities.)
- Bouncy Castles from Hyped Up Amusements
- Tiger Slide, Pirate Ship and Bouncy Castles for smaller Tamariki
- Photo Booth Supplied by Click Nz
- Free Kids Hair cuts supplied by Madcutz
- Food vendors and other stalls
- Performances and live entertainment from some of our local talent
Santa Dash • Fancy Participating?
All Santas must be aged 16+, although kids are allowed to run with the adults for a gold coin donation. Participation for adults is $30 and includes provision of a Santa Suit. The Santa Dash starts at 10:45am, and Santas are requested to gather at 10:15am at the corner of Cochrane and Pollen Streets.
To register, please fill in this form.
Santa Parade • Want to enter your float or marchers (walkers)?
The Santa Parade starts at 11am and runs from the corner of Cochrane and Pollen Streets to the Te Kura o Te Kauaeranga Grey Street field entrance.
Use this PDF registration form to enter the Santa Parade.
Download, fill out, and email back to the TBA.
Or print the form and drop into the TBA Office at 562 Pollen Street. Slip it under the door if no one is there.
Stall Holders • Want sell your wares at Whānau Day?
You can register to become a stall holder at Whānau Day here.
