In a festive display of community collaboration, Nelson’s grand Christmas tree, standing at an impressive 11 meters, has been erected and illuminated, marking the commencement of the holiday season. The monumental task was accomplished by a dedicated team comprising members from the Nelson Santa Parade Trust, Whakatū Rotary, and the Colombian community, who worked in unison to install the towering tree on the Church Steps last Sunday.
Facilitating the seamless transportation of the tree’s components from the Nelson Santa Parade Trust’s Tāhunanui warehouse to its designated location was Lift and Shift, while the adept team from Fire and Emergency New Zealand contributed by filling three ballast tanks with water, ensuring the tree’s stability in the face of potential high winds. The Nelson Brass Band provided a festive soundtrack, playing Christmas melodies as the tree came to life with the glow of 3000 lights.
Adding a touch of youthful enthusiasm to the event, twin boys, victors of a radio competition, were bestowed the honor of officially switching on the tree’s dazzling display. The unveiling drew a captivated audience of several hundred individuals who congregated at the pinnacle of Trafalgar St to witness the spectacle and bask in the musical ambiance.
This annual tradition, now in its third year, orchestrated by the Nelson Santa Parade Trust, is evolving into a significant standalone event that heralds the advent of the festive season. Complementing this festive initiative is the Nelson Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival, which commenced its festivities on Friday, providing a dual celebration for the community.
The significance of this festive symbol extends beyond its visual appeal, as Trevor Marshall, Chair of the Nelson Santa Parade Trust, highlighted the substantial cost savings achieved by the Nelson City Council. Prior to the council’s financial support for the acquisition of the $40,000 tree, annual expenditures ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 were incurred in the installation and decoration of wilding pines.
Looking ahead, the Nelson Santa Parade Trust is gearing up for the much-anticipated Nelson Santa Parade scheduled for Sunday, December 10. With over 50 floats already registered, including new entries from the Chinese and Indian communities, the event is poised to become the second-largest Santa parade in the country, with aspirations to surpass Hamilton’s record of 80 floats. Simultaneously, the Richmond Santa Parade is set to unfold this Sunday, commencing at 1 pm in Queen St, featuring a procession of more than 30 floats.
