There will be no Christmas Parade in Parkes this year following a decision by the Chamber of Commerce to opt instead for a carnival and movie night in Cooke Park.
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Traditionally the Christmas Parade has attracted thousands of people to town to herald the official start of the festive season in Parkes and district.
The parade and subsequent Apex Carnival in Church Street was initially aimed as providing not only a fun event for the family but also an enticement for late night trading by retailers.
In recent years the parade has culminated with a carnival in Cooke Park run and organised by the Chamber of Commerce.
However, with the feeling the parade may have passed its use-by date, the Chamber decided to forego the first Thursday in December event in favour of a carnival and movie night on Friday, December 5.
The planned family orientated event will include stallholders from the regular Sunday Upmarkets, pony rides and other fun activities.
In a letter tabled at this week’s Parkes Shire Council meeting, the Parkes Chamber of Commercet indicated feedback from the local community had been ‘overwhelmingly positive.’
One of the reasons listed was that families will be able to attend without the worry of school the next day.
Plans are to stage the movie night after the market activities, utilising Northparkes Mines inflatable movie screen.
Mayor Ken Keith congratulated the Chamber for its new initiative.
“The Chamber is prepared to try something different and if it doesn’t work out they always have the option to return to the parade format,” Cr Keith said.
“I believe the movie night aspect will be conducted as a fundraiser for Life Education which is a wonderful gesture.”
Cr Patrica Smith also welcomed the change.
“I think it is a great idea, a new initiative for the festive season activities in Parkes,” she said.
Cr Kenny McGrath agreed.
“The parade was increasingly difficult for business to participate in and I agree it had passed its use-by date. It’s good to see the Chamber of Commerce coming up with a different option this year,” Cr McGrath said.
He too was supported by Deputy Mayor Cr Alan Ward who said the carnival and movie night was `another chance to promote Parkes.’
Council formally approved the application from the Chamber of Commerce to stage the event subject to eight conditions being adhered to.
Assistance will also be provided by Council in the form making available power to the stall holders, donating the additional public liability costs and providing extra garbage bins on the night.