Christmas celebrations are definitely alive and well in Perth. One of the premier events in this Western Australian (WA) city since 1972 has been the annual Christmas Pageant/Parade, sponsored by the Royal Automotive Club (RAC) and local television station, Channel Seven ( the first TV station - 1959 - in WA). The entire Central Business District (CBD) was shut down so that the more than 200,000 spectators could watch the festivities in safety and comfort. Talking with some locals in the know (e.g. media personnel), planning for this year’s event began immediately following the 2016 parade. Consisting of some twenty floats and fifty-seven entertainment groups, the Pageant included the WA Police Pipe Band, Minions from “Despicable 3”, Chinese dragon dancers, members of the Historical Cycle Club, and many more. Except for the usual few late comers who tried to push their way to the front of the viewing area, this was an enjoyable and fun evening!
”We have to hurry in order to line up prior to the start of the parade.” The crowd is beginning to grow. In order to keep the kids happy while waiting for the start of the parade, they are allowed to decorate the street with chalk... ...while unicycling jugglers do their bit. News anchors from Channel Seven, one of the sponsors of the parade... ...along with the RAC (Royal Automotive Club - similar to our AAA). Paticipants included the WA Police Pipe Band... ...dance groups... ...floats of all kinds... ...Chinese dragons... ...even camels (during colonial times, camels were imported to be used as pack carriers through the deserts of Australia. Today, there are an estimated one million camels roaming freely through the Bush country). Of course, the jolly ole elf himself, Santa Claus, made an appearance.
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Carl and Lorraine Aveni are two retirees planning on traveling through Europe for at least one year.
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