Adelaide Christmas Pageant

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Snow White float in the 2004 Pageant.
Snow White float in the 2004 Pageant.

The Adelaide Christmas Pageant is a parade held annually in the South Australian capital of Adelaide. It is the largest event of its kind in the world, attracting crowds of over 400,000 and televised to millions more.[citation needed] Recognised as an heritage icon,[1] the pageant is a state institution and is sponsored by six local credit unions.

Beginning in 1933, the pageant is staged in early November every year, usually on a Saturday morning. It comprises a procession of 75 sets and 1,700 volunteers, including 57 floats, 15 bands, 164 clowns, dancing groups, and walking performers, all culminating in the arrival of Father Christmas.[2]

The parade takes place in the city-centre, along a 3.35 kilometre route which commences on King William Street and concludes on North Terrace outside Rundle Mall, wherefrom Father Christmas proceeds to the Magic Cave in the David Jones department store. (The route has changed slightly for 2007).

Contents

[edit] History

The Adelaide Christmas Pageant was founded by Sir Edward Hayward, owner of the Adelaide department store John Martin's, who was inspired by the Toronto Santa Claus Parade and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.[3] He opened the first pageant on 18 November 1933 at the height of the Great Depression. It was a success; running for around 40 minutes with just 8 floats and 3 bands, it attracted 200,000 spectators.[4] Father Christmas was introduced in 1934 and tradition of the pageant finishing at the Magic Cave (itself created in 1905) was established.[5]

During the war years of 1941-1944, the pageant was in abeyance. It was restored in 1945. By 1969, the event had grown significantly, with attendances reaching 500,000 and television broadcasting commencing.[4] In 1979, the largest induction of new floats took place, with 16 joining the pageant.[5]

In the mid 1990s, as John Martins was taken over by David Jones Limited, the South Australian Government acquired the event. It sought sponsorship from the South Australian business community, and sold naming rights to the South Australian Credit Unions: Australian Central Credit Union, Savings & Loans Credit Union, Community CPS Credit Union, Police Credit Union, PowerState Credit Union, and Satisfac Credit Union.[4] Today, the pageant is managed by Events South Australia, a division of the South Australian Tourism Commission.

The route has been slightly changed for the 2007 Pageant.[6]

[edit] Broadcast

The Pageant is broadcast officially by NWS-9, the local affiliate of the Nine Network. For many years the broadcast was carried separately by both SAS-7 and the ABC.

[edit] References

  1. ^ BankSA Heritage Items List. National Trust of South Australia (2006-10-20). Retrieved on 2006-10-20.
  2. ^ Pageant Trivia: Facts and Figures. Credit Union Christmas Pageant (2006-10-20). Retrieved on 2006-10-20.
  3. ^ Sly, David. "Spirit of Johnnies lives on", The Adelaide Review, 2004-10-29. Retrieved on 2006-10-16. 
  4. ^ a b c Adelaide's First Pageant. Credit Union Christmas Pageant (2006-10-20). Retrieved on 2006-10-20.
  5. ^ a b Credit Union Pageant Tradition. Credit Union Christmas Pageant (2006-10-20). Retrieved on 2006-10-20.
  6. ^ Route Map, Official Site

[edit] External links

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Festivals in Adelaide