12 November 2011

‘Celebrate the Clown Within'

The long wait for Father Christmas will finally be over for hundreds of thousands of South Australians today, as he arrives on his sleigh from the North Pole to be part of the 2011 Credit Union Christmas Pageant.

More than 300,000 spectators are expected to line the streets of Adelaide today to be a part of the magic of this iconic event, which has been the traditional herald to the Christmas season in South Australia since 1933.

Brian Gilbertson, Creative Director and Event Manager, Credit Union Christmas Pageant, says that this year's theme ‘celebrate the clown within' will be clearly evident with more than 250 clowns taking part within the parade.

"We hope the celebration will encourage the public to look at life a little less seriously, with a bit of fun and laughter. The 2011 Credit Union Christmas Pageant will showcase 63 floats and 15 bands plus nine walking sets, 10 dance groups, one DJ and three choirs in addition to 250 clowns,” says Brian Gilbertson.

2011 will see six new floats adding to the colour and excitement. Be sure to look out for what will be new crowd favourites; Penguins ‘R' Koool, Hansel & Gretel, Forest Fantasy, Fergus the North Pole Fire Engine, Love, Love Christmas and the mini float the Naughty or Nice Meter.

"A special welcome needs to be made to Jolly Elf and Jingles the Reindeer our new Pageant mascots who are debuting in the event. Look out for Jolly conducting the ballet on The Nutcracker and Jingles hitting the decks on Christmas rapping (sic) with DJ Shep from Da Klinic.”

Mr Peter Evers, Chair, Credit Union Pageant Company, says that the coming together of four leading credit unions in People's Choice Credit Union, Community CPS Australia, Credit Union SA and Police Credit Union to sponsor the event is symbolic of the true meaning of business giving back to the community.

"Once again the credit unions are thrilled to be a partner of the event, as we celebrate our 16th year as naming rights sponsors. We're proud to be part of making the magic happen and bringing the Pageant to the South Australian community.”

"This year we have truly embraced the theme of ‘celebrate the clown within', with all four credit union CEOs are pulling on the bright wigs and face paint as clowns for the first time. This will be a real Pageant experience,” said Peter Evers.

Pageant spectators are encouraged to download the FREE iPhone app to ensure they have all of the event details at their finger tips including the new route map, float list and play ‘clown me up' and ‘jingle your bells.'

The Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing red noses will kick off at 9.00am followed by the official start of the Credit Union Christmas Pageant departing South Terrace at 9.30am. Look out at approximately 11.20am for Father Christmas when he arrives at the landing stage in front of David Jones.

In 2011 the Pageant will be travelling a slightly different route along Flinders Street due to construction works along Grenfell Street.

The Credit Union Christmas Pageant is owned and managed by the South Australian Tourism Commission on behalf of the South Australian Government and sponsored by four leading credit unions in South Australia – People's Choice Credit Union, Community CPS Australia, Credit Union SA and Police Credit Union.

In 2012, the Credit Union Christmas Pageant will celeb