AAM Timber Mount Gambier Christmas Parade only a few sleeps away

Commercial Street will transform into a magical wonderland for all as the AAM Timber Mount Gambier Christmas Parade moves through the city at 11:00am on Saturday 18 November 2023.

The Lions Club Blue Lake Brass Band Festival will kick off the festivities with a street march at 9:00am on Commercial Street East, followed by the massed march from the Old Town Hall to Crouch Street at 10:15am.

“The brass band ensembles bring such a celebratory ambience to the heart of the city centre throughout the weekend, adding excitement and Christmas cheer to the street for all those in attendance,” Mayor Lynette Martin OAM said.

The AAM Timber Christmas Parade begins at 11:00am at Crouch Street North, travelling west on Commercial Street to Vansittart Park.

“We are excited to have more than 50 entries taking part in the parade this year, with two new floats joining the return of much-loved favourites,” Team Leader Community Events Xarnia Keding said.

“The Mount Gambier Scout Group will be walking new chalk floats down Commercial Street, handing out colourful pavement chalk for families to enjoy.”

“The parade shed volunteers have also been busy building Timmy the Christmas Train a new companion, Tammy the Carriage.”

With thousands of people expected to line the streets for the event, it may be difficult for children to see past the crowds. All attendees are reminded to stay behind the blue safety line at all times during the parade.

Following the parade, Father Christmas will attend the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West’s Party in the Park event at the Cave Gardens/Thugi with live performances, food and drinks, and children’s entertainment.

The Brass Bands Festival will continue from 1:00pm with a concert at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre.

The community is also asked to be mindful of road closures in place as thousands are expected to gather in the city centre for the event.

Road Closures

The following roads be closed to traffic on Saturday 18 November 2023 between the listed times to ensure the safe operation of the 2023 Mount Gambier Christmas Parade:

• Commercial Street East between east side of Davison Street and Crouch Street between 8:00am and 12:30pm
• Commercial Street East between Crouch Street and Bay Road/Penola Road between 8:30am and 2:00pm
• Commercial Street West between Bay Road/Penola Road and Wehl Street between 8:30am and 2:00pm
• Crouch Street South between Commercial Street East and Sturt Street between 10:50am and 2:00pm
• Wehl Street North between Commercial Street West and Wyatt Street/Eglington Terrace between 10:50am and 2:00pm
• Commercial Street West between Wehl Street and Bertha Street between 10:50am and 2:00pm
• Watson Terrace from Commercial Street East adjacent to Jen’s Hotel – north/south between 6:30am and 5:00pm.

The parking of vehicles in these streets during the temporary street closures is prohibited.

Media contact: City of Mount Gambier Communications Officer Maddi Brookes on 8721 2577 or mbrookes@mountgambier.sa.gov.au