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Sun and fun to kick off festive season
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/4278936a11.html
Families flocked from far and wide to see Father Christmas and
Falun Gong join forces to kick-off the festive season in Wellington.
An eclectic mix of cultural groups, sports teams and businesses
pranced and danced their way from Lambton Quay to Cuba Street for the
Farmers Santa Parade. The city struck lucky with a 20-degree day, and an
estimated 60,000-strong crowd gathered.
The most popular floats included Elvis crooning under the hot sun
while a dozen dancers jumped and jived in his wake, and the SPCA group,
which featured dogs decked out in Santa hats.
The happy-looking mutts inspired six-year-old Molly Barker of Newtown
to make an early Christmas request: “Mum, I want a puppy like that for
Christmas… a fat one like that!” she shouted.
Wellington’s cultural groups were out in force. The Romanian
contingent added some comic relief with a big-fanged Dracula pursuing a
maiden in distress. The Indian Dance Group could be seen and heard from
afar – a dozen girls in pink saris sashayed away to Bollywood beats.
A detailed nativity scene added some traditional Christmas flavour,
as did dozens of children dressed as reindeer and Christmas trees who
waddled along to the sound of Jingle Bells.
Despite Wellington City Council’s insistence that the number of
commercial floats would be reduced this year, several businesses made
cameos with floats promoting fast-food and pay-TV channels.
One of the most anticipated floats was that of Falun Gong, the
Chinese spiritual group controversially banned from last year’s parade.
Three days ago Wellington Council backed down and allowed them to join
in this year, but on the condition there was no political protest.
True to their word, Falun Gong was a picture of peacefulness –
albeit on a Budget rent-a-truck. Members meditated amidst fluoro silk
lotus flowers and beamed at the cheering crowd.
The parade heralded the launch of the silly season – may the eating,
shopping and merriment begin.
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