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The Weekend Sun
True giving at iconic festive event Bethlehem’s iconic free event presenting the festive season’s true meaning is also showcasing the community’s true spirit, with Mills Reef hosting ‘A Night before Christmas’. With 2013’s event attracting 9000, this year the night is at the winery for the biggest production yet with 15-plus items of music, art and entertainment. Mills Reef general manager Nick Aleksich says the community event is extremely successful but needed a larger site to grow into. “So it’s our pleasure to step in and provide our winery venue to
meet those needs.” Nick says as families go through the Mills Reef gates on Saturday, December 20, they’ll be greeted with all the event’s fun and flair unfolding on the winery’s picturesque grounds. “They’ll see everything going on our big open lawn – it’s a beautiful location to bring picnics, candles, rugs and chairs to share a Christmas celebration with friends and family.” People are encouraged to arrive at 5.30pm, when entertainment, food and beverage vendors open – and Mills Reef is offering a dinner and show package by prior arrangement. Mills Reef ’s grounds can hold 10,000-plus people “which is exactly what the event needs to go to the next level”.
BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH PRESENTS
Getting involved in a free festive community event is important to Mills Reef, says Nick. “We’re part of the community and a long-standing member of Bethlehem. “When the winery was built in the 1990s it was in the middle of a farming area – now Bethlehem is a vibrant community – so we’re delighted to give back.” ‘A Night Before Christmas’ is at Mills Reef Winery, Moffat Rd, Bethlehem, on December 20, from 5.30pm. The main show is 7.30pm9.40pm with a fireworks finale. A collection will be taken for Waipuna Hospice. By Merle Foster Mills Reef general manager Nick Aleksich and event manager Luisa Schroder are excited ‘A Night before Christmas’ will be at a bigger site this year.
Santa returns parade to CBD
After a five-year hiatus, Santa is slamming the brakes on his sleigh and detouring the reindeer to Tauranga City as the CBD takes over hosting the Trustpower Christmas Parade. Tomorrow, city residents are invited to line the CBD streets to get a glimpse of more than 50 floats as the parade begins from 11am, followed by the jolly, redsuited man. Downtown Tauranga’s parade organiser Rowena Kelly says residents can expect an exciting, colourful, vibrant, family event.
“The parade has previously been hosted at Mount Maunganui and they relinquished the rights to it – so we’re delighted to host it. “Tomorrow’s parade starts at 11am – it goes from 2nd Ave, down Devonport Rd onto The Strand and finishes at Harrington St. “We have 57 floats registered – and including variety of floats, groups and entertainment with lots of colour and energy so it will be great.” Pre-entertainment along the parade route starts 10am, with the parade starting 11am, with post-entertainment on the waterfront.
Festive time to be had at Fraser Cove Mills Reef Winery Saturday 20th December
5.30pm Food for sale & Entertainment
7:30pm Show & Fireworks FREE ENTRY - COLLECTION FOR WAIPUNA HOSPICE
Enjoy carols, entertainment & fireworks under the stars amongst family and friends. (NO BYO ALCOHOL) Supported By
Key Sponsors
For all details including parking and the Mills Reef “Dinner & Show Package” go to
WWW.ANIGHTBEFORECHRISTMAS.CO.NZ
Stuck for ideas for Christmas? Give the gift of choice and variety. Fraser Cove is introducing their new gift cards just in time for Christmas – and they’re giving away $3000 worth. Leading up to Christmas, the centre will hide the gift cards around the
centre and The Edge will be dishing out clues to help lucky customers find them. There’s also a chance to win a $100 Toy World voucher for the winner of the Tauranga Toy Run inspired colouring in competition. You can find these
online or in stores. The jolly man in his red suit and fluffy white-tipped hat will be visiting Santa Cove, next to Dollar Value at the centre, from 11am-4pm on December 17-24. Photos are only $6 and everyone who gets their photo with Santa goes in
the draw to win a LeapPad 3. This ultimately makes Fraser Cove your one-stop destination for Christmas, with great shops, excellent variety and loads of chances to win. Come and enjoy your Christmas with Fraser Cove.