What began as a conversation over coffee has become one of Waimate's much-loved Christmas traditions.
Nine years later, Positive Waimate Inc. is preparing for the 2026 Christmas Parade and Family Fun Fair on Sunday 6 December. It's getting better each year, driven by a committee determined to give every child the chance to enjoy the festivities, regardless of their family's budget.
When Mandy Tangney moved to Waimate with her family at around seven years old, one of her favourite events was the Waimate Christmas parade.
She remembers the floats making their way to Victoria Park, where families gathered at the old sound shell for the Queen of the Carnival and the festivities. Decades later, those childhood memories would inspire her to bring the parade back.
It started over coffee with Ross Andrew. The pair were talking about things they'd like to see happening in Waimate - a Christmas tree, the return of the flowering baskets and, at the top of Mandy's list, a Christmas parade.
They also talked about the negativity they were seeing, particularly on social media.
Positive Waimate was born, although Mandy remembers a few people laughing at the name. In 2017, the group held its first parade.
"We did it on a wing and a prayer," Mandy recalls.
There was plenty of begging, borrowing and calling in favours, but they pulled it off.
Positive Waimate Incorporated committee 2025. Standing, from left: Suzie Paulin, Mandy Tangney, Joy Leach, William Gates. Seated: Ina de Paauw-Fontein. Absent: Peter Vendetti. Photo: Sharyn Cain.
Free day out for under 12s
For Mandy and the committee, the icing on the top of the event is what happens after the parade.
The idea is that children can enjoy everything without having to ask their parents whether they can afford it. It's all free for children aged 12 and under.
There's face painting, balloon twisting, a Lego pit, pottery, a magician from Timaru, a bouncy castle, live music and plenty more.
Mandy knows family outings can be expensive, particularly when there are several children involved, and parents are often juggling work commitments. Having an affordable family day out where memories can be made is often unachievable.
That's also why the committee moved the parade to Sunday afternoon, leaving Saturdays free for sport and other activities, and often parents are free on Sunday afternoons.
"It's all about the kids," she says.
Committee treasurer Ina de Paauw-Fontein, whom Mandy describes as doing the roles of 10 committee members, likes to refer to visitors as "children and their adults".
Busy team behind the scenes
Making everything free takes considerable work behind the scenes. Positive Waimate doesn't rely on a major event sponsor. Instead, its committee fundraises throughout the year, holding bake sales and other activities to cover the costs.
Traffic management alone accounts for around a quarter of the parade budget, with insurance another significant expense.
Local businesses help make the money go further. Chopped Butchery supplies some meat for the barbecue, while the Veterinary Centre lends its barbecue free of charge.
Gary Dennison takes charge of the cooking, the Scouts help with the bouncy castle, and Pam Buckingham brings her pottery wheel.
Hope and Associates Legal have donated their constitution twice and there are plenty of others who contribute their time and resources.
Getting better every year
And every year, the committee learns something new. Mandy says they're always looking for ways to make the day better. This year, for example, Santa will have a microphone so he can talk as the parade rolls through town.
One of the parade's most memorable additions came courtesy of Mandy's brother, engineer Les McIvor. After watching a parade and deciding there weren't enough floats specifically for children, Les set about building something. Mandy knew he was working on a project.
"Never did I ever expect Thomas," she says.
The result was a little locomotive, nicknamed Thomas, which has become a much-loved part of the parade. Les initially wanted to give Thomas to Mandy, but she was adamant he should belong to the community.
Money was raised to pay for the engine, ensuring it would remain in Waimate. Even if the parade eventually comes to an end, the intention is for Thomas to stay in the district, perhaps finding a home at Bushtown.
Get involved
It’s time to register your float. Every year, the floats bring smiles to the faces of everyone lining the streets, and this year the team is encouraging everyone to get creative with what they already have.
In keeping with the 2026 theme, Triple R - Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, think about what you can reuse, repurpose or recycle to create your float. Recycle your last float!
And while Positive Waimate has a full committee, it needs more volunteers to help on parade day.
There are intersections to marshal, activities to supervise, children to help and a barbecue to keep running.
Face painting is always particularly popular, and extra painters would be warmly welcomed.
Mandy is quick to acknowledge the committee and the many people who support the event.
"Without the team, there would be no Christmas parade."
Positive Waimate also organises an Easter activity for children and has branched into tourism through its Cruising Waimate initiative, bringing cruise ship visitors from Timaru to attractions including the White Horse and Wallaby Park.
But for Mandy, the Christmas parade remains particularly close to her heart.
She hopes it reminds families that making memories doesn't have to involve spending a lot of money.
"It's not how much you give, it's what you give."
Time, she says, is precious, and so are memories.
"It's not all about status and money, sometimes all it takes to make someone's day is a smile and a hello."
Register your float
Get your school, club, business or group involved and help make this year's parade one to remember.
Download the registration form here.
Return your signed entry by 15 November. Email it to positivewaimate@gmail.com or drop it into Value Village.