Community News

Santa Claus will be coming to town a little earlier than expected later this year, with a special appearance from the big man in red locked in as part of the return of Gawler’s Christmas parade.

Here’s how Gawler’s The Bunyip broke the news …

The highly anticipated return of the event was confirmed on Saturday morning with the announcement of a naming rights sponsor, William Lakes.

Villawood Properties, the developer behind the William Lakes estate in Gawler Belt, jumped on board to help revive the event after a near 40-year absence.

Chief executive Alan Miller said Christmas is an important time for the community, and it was a no-brainer for the developer to provide sponsorship and help resurrect the event.

“The Gawler Christmas parade is already shaping up as a terrific fun event,” he said.

“We want to make sure the town can really swing into the Christmas spirit together as a community – Santa and sleigh bells, carols and candy canes and loads of fun.

“Villawood is keen to see Gawler’s different community groups coming together for this high point of the year. We’re very happy to be able to play a role in that.”

Villawood joins Gawler Council and the Gawler Business Development Group in sponsoring the Christmas parade.

Calls for a festive showcase for Gawler first emerged last December and have steadily gained momentum in the months since.

It is hoped that the parade will be a centrepiece event for Gawler, slotting in alongside the Community Christmas Carols and APEX Christmas Markets on the town’s festive calendar.

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said she hoped the Parade would further activate the town during the holiday period, and encouraged the community to get behind it.

“The Christmas Parade is a new addition to several community events and activities that provide the opportunity for families, friends and the community to come together and celebrate Christmas in Gawler,” she said.

“We are excited to see what our community can deliver to spark the festive atmosphere and ignite the Christmas spirit in Gawler. As a proud sponsor of the Parade, council recognises the immense benefits this event can bring to our vibrant community.”

The parade is expected to take place from 7pm on December 2, with Murray St closed to traffic to allow floats to make their way along the thoroughfare without disruption.

Calton and Lyndoch Roads will also be temporarily closed during the event.

Member for Light Tony Piccolo has played a key role in facilitating the Parade’s return, helping to establish a working group and bringing together stakeholders to get the event off the ground.

Mr Piccolo said expressions of interest to be a part of the parade will open within the next fortnight, with participation capped at 40 floats.

Photo: Santa Claus visits Gawler in preparation for the William Lakes Gawler Christmas Parade 2023. With him are Ben Moore representing William Lakes, Christmas parade advocates Maursie McKensie and Glenys Clothier, Gawler Mayor Karen Redman, Member for Light Tony Piccolo and Gawler Business Development Group chair Louise Drummond