Santa Parade 2009.

The first Saturday in December saw Masterton's main streets lined with people in festive spirits, all jostling to see the annual Santa Parade. This year, the Recreational Services Masterton team were part of the line up.

Team members, Sam Garlick & Jamey Ferris lead the team in putting together the float of five mowers plus Suzuki truck, all spic and span, and decorated for the occasion. Leading the float was the little truck with a big happy face painted on the front. Following behind, the line-up of mowers were certainly heard coming, and once heads turned toward them they were certainly worth seeing, too, with decorations sparkling in the sun and their drivers well into the spirit of it all and lapping up all the attention. Team helpers walked alongside of the procession, handing out lollies and balloons to the many out-stretched hands.

Team Ops Manager, Doug Bayley, says he was “really proud to see the team pulling together for this and the spirit involved with preparation and organisation for this event... It turned into a real family/work occasion and a big thanks must go to Sam Garlick and Jamey Ferris who drove this project and excelled in its preparation..... congratulations to them [all] for a top effort."

From his perspective, driving one of the mowers, Jamey said "the crowd loved the mowers, and seeing all the children in awe was really great to see and made for a memorable day."  So memorable, in fact, Jamey has his sights firmly set on taking part next year and winning a prize! Watch this space.