The 2018 NF McDonnell and Sons Mount Gambier Christmas Parade is just three weeks away and excitement is building following the unveiling of a new float for this year’s line-up. For the past three months City of Mount Gambier staff, artist Mel Cecotti of Psychotti Art and a team of dedicated volunteers have been busy working on the creation of a pine tree themed float for major sponsor NF McDonnell and Sons.
Named ‘Timber Toy Town’, the new float features a silhouette of pine trees resembling the NF McDonnell and Sons logo and other trees made of timber material in various bright colours and patterns.
Three generations of the McDonnell family were present at the Council Depot for the unveiling of the new float this week.
“This is the second year NF McDonnell and Sons have been involved with the Christmas Parade and we’re thrilled with the result of the new float,” NF McDonnell and Sons Managing Director Ian McDonnell said.
“It is very fitting to have such an iconic, long standing family business involved with this family oriented and long running community event and we are very grateful for the support of NF McDonnell and Sons,” City of Mount Gambier Community Events Team Leader Denise Richardson said.
A team of five volunteers assisted with the float build, each bringing valuable skills to the project. Former cabinet maker Tom Telford has volunteered with the parade for many years and attributes his long involvement to the reward of seeing the smiling faces of so many children at the event.
“It really is all about the kids, to see them having so much fun as part of the parade and as spectators is why I enjoy being part of this event”, Mr Telford said.
The float is a credit to the volunteers who have been working hard for a number of months and it really shows the depth of community spirit in Mount Gambier. We also love how the artist has cleverly worked our logo into the design.- NF McDonnell and Sons Managing Director Ian McDonnell
Part of the project brief was to ensure that timber elements featured on the float to showcase the key product of sawmilling company and major sponsor NF McDonnell and Sons. Following involvement in large installations and community events around the region this year, artist Mel Cecotti was thrilled to be asked assist in the creation of a new float for the iconic event.
“The timber theme allowed me to use stencils and different patterns to bring the trees to life as well as using opaques, metallic highlights, glitter and gradients,” Artist Mel Cecotti said.
“It has been great to have Mel’s inspiration and creativity and of course the dedicated team of volunteers. Without volunteers this event would not be the great success that it is each year,” Mrs Richardson said.
“Having been around for 75 years NF McDonnell and Sons look forward to a long involvement with this iconic community event. I’m most looking forward to seeing my grandchildren and the children of our employees enjoying themselves on the float on parade day,” Mr McDonnell said.
Entries for the Christmas Parade are closing soon and all community groups, sporting clubs, schools, businesses and individuals are encouraged to enter for a chance to win $3500 in prize money.
All entries will be independently judged on criteria such as creativity, effort, visual appeal, energy, crowd engagement and creative use of recycled material.
“Entries are starting to flood in fast and I encourage anyone thinking of entering this year’s parade to get their entry forms in quick to ensure they do not miss the deadline,” Ms Richardson said.
Entries close on Wednesday 31 October 2018 at 5:00pm and entry forms can be downloaded from Council’s website – www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/chr... or a printed copy can be collected from the Mount Gambier Visitor Centre, Mount Gambier Library, Civic Centre or Main Corner Complex.
The NF McDonnell and Sons Mount Gambier Christmas Parade is in its 59th year and will commence at 11:00am on Saturday 17 November 2018, travelling west from the intersection of Commercial Street East and Crouch Street South and finishing at the Wehl Street and Commercial Street West intersection.
Enquiries regarding the Christmas Parade can be made to Community Events Team Leader Denise Richardson at drichardson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au or phone (08) 8723 1025.
Content authorised by City of Mount Gambier CEO Mark McShane, 10 Watson Terrace, Mount Gambier SA
Media contact: For further information please contact City of Mount Gambier Communications Officer Ashlea Watson on 8721 2577 or awatson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
