Year after year the Bairnsdale Christmas Parade provides a thrill for region’s youngsters and families and Saturday’s event, with the theme ‘A Musical Christmas’, no exception.

With an increase in floats of a vast variety cruising through Bairnsdale’s Main Street, event organiser, Taylor Moorhouse, said “the parade was a great success”.

“We had 55 floats in total so it was bigger than last year,” she said.

“I think that crowd numbers were down from last year’s record number, due mainly to the scorching heat, however everyone was still in high spirits.

“Everyone that participated was a pleasure to deal with and the children were so enthusiastic.

“I cannot wait to do it again next year, it creates such a buzz for the town and it is fantastic to see everyone’s Christmas spirit.”

The quality of floats entered was outstanding, according to Miss Moorhouse, who said the local businesses and community groups put in a fantastic effort to show their Christmas colours and spirit.

There was the full scope of local life, numerous schools, each with excited children, staff and parents, fire trucks, prime movers, special characters, horses, Christmas carols, music and more.

And once again it was the schools who stood out with the students taking centre stage.

“Last year Eagle Point Primary School won best float and this year I’m going to award it to St Mary’s Primary School they came along way from last year and they sang with enthusiasm the whole parade route,” Miss Moorhouse said.

“Also Kennedy’s Trailers made an exceptional effort, as they do every year, and it is always a surprise on the day what they bring.

“We also had the Gippsland Lakes Roller Derby, they skated the whole way around, and Bairnsdale Stoves Heaters and Barbecues had a very good Mary Poppins float.

“All the floats were great. They were decorated so well and the effort is getting better and better every year.

“Also special thanks to Cranes Asphalting (joint event sponsor), Anthony Capobianco for being the emcee, Rob Hanna, of Bairnsdale Communications and Alarms, and 754 Primary School.”

Bairnsdale has certainly kickstarted the countdown the Christmas. Saturday’s parade followed a busy week for local community group, Light the City, which decorated the trees of Main Street.

IMAGE: Hazel (18 months), Claire, Anna (9) and Jack (7) Fuhrmeister, of Sarsfield, were excited to take in the Bairnsdale Christmas Parade in the Main Street Gardens on Saturday. With 55 floats hitting the street, families and children had a wonderful morning soaking up the Christmas atmosphere.