Sun, 29 Nov 2009 5:44p.m.
The Christmas countdown got off to a spectacular start in Auckland today as more than a quarter of a million people packed out the city's streets for the annual Farmers Santa Parade.
People young and old enjoyed the festive atmosphere in Queen and Albert Sts, which were closed to traffic for the afternoon.
This year's parade, the 76th, was one of the biggest in the event's history.
The 250,000 strong crowd welcomed Father Christmas and waved and cheered at the passing 41 floats.
"Every year I think we will struggle to deliver better parade next year, yet here I am again, thinking this is the best one to date," said Michael Barnett, chairman of the Auckland Children's Christmas Parade Trust.
"I can't thank the 4000 volunteers enough who helped out with the parade this year; without them this fantastic event would never happen."
All White football player Ivan Vicelich led the parade and got a huge welcome from the crowd .
Volunteer collectors for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF) were amongst the crowd and reported an excellent response to their requests for donations.
"Aucklanders really got into the Christmas spirit this year and their generosity will help save lives of children diagnosed with leukaemia," Mr Barnett said.
"It will put a little sparkle into the lives of New Zealanders and their families living with leukaemia and blood related diseases," he added.
Farmers managing director Rod McDermott said he was thrilled with the event and the company would continue to support the parade "with the same enthusiasm as (Farmers founder) Robert Laidlaw did all those years ago when he set it up".
Planning will begin for the 2010 parade after a short break.
NZPA