Organisers of the Geraldton Greenough Sunshine Festival are urging businesses, sports teams, community groups, families and friends to join this year’s festivities by being part of the float parade on Saturday October 5.

The parade offers the chance to showcase your group to the community and promises to be a riot of fun.

Entrants go in the running to win $1000 for the best overall float, $500 for the best commercial float, $500 for the best community float and prizes for the best decorated kids’ bikes.

Sunshine Festival coordinator Gina Jenkin said the float parade was a highlight of the festival as entrants paraded through Geraldton’s main street in a whirlwind of sound, colour, fun and laughter.

“It’s just priceless to be part of the parade and watch the kids’ faces as you pass by,” Gina said.
“And there’s always hilarious banter going on within each float, and between different floats as well.

“On a more serious side, being part of the float is a fantastic way to promote your business or group to the community.

“Entrants in the float parade have been a bit light on this year so we’re really encouraging everyone to get behind this community event, sign up and join in the fun.”

Entry fees are $100 for commercial entries, $50 for community entries, $25 for other entries and kids with decorated bikes are free.

A very special addition to this year’s Festival is the attendance of the 711 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets. 711 Squadron will lead the Float Parade march after being granted ”Freedom of Entry” to the City of Greater Geraldton by the Mayor at a prior ceremony. As they march along Cathedral Avenue, the Squadron will be halted by a police officer and requested to show evidence that freedom has been granted. They will then be allowed to proceed.

Entrants will marshall on the foreshore near the Geraldton Port Authority building at 12 for a 1pm departure, travelling along Marine Terrace, Lester Avenue, Cathedral Avenue, Carson Terrace and into Maitland Park.

Completed float parade entry form and fees should be lodged by Tuesday October 1. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.sunshinefestival.com.au