Te Puke celebrates Christmas with Seeka float parade and special guest

Te Puke will host the Seeka Te Puke Christmas Float Parade on December 6, with the procession departing from behind the Te Puke Memorial Hall at 11am, led by the Te Puke and District Highland Pipe Band. The EPIC Te Puke-organised event features a Steampunk and Vintage theme, with close to 30 entries registered for this year's parade.

This year's special guest riding in Santa's sleigh is four-year-old Blayde Arnold from the local community. Blayde was born with Emanuel Syndrome, an extremely rare chromosomal disorder that affects muscle tone and development. His family recently held a fundraising event called Blayde's World that raised $13,000 towards his ongoing care. Parents Marissa Mason and Scott Arnold will accompany Blayde in the sleigh.

Western Bay of Plenty District deputy mayor Margaret Murray-Benge will participate in the parade, riding in a rare 1927 Oakland Roadster. Following the parade, a Steampunk Christmas market will be held in Jubilee Park at 12:30pm, featuring stalls, food trucks, and prize announcements.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.