On Saturday, the annual APEX Launceston Christmas Parade will see nearly 40 floats parade through the city’s streets. 

This year’s theme is ‘Christmas around the world’, which is all about how it’s celebrated throughout the nation. 

The Examiner got a sneak peek at what excited viewers (young and old) are in for. 

#1: Tasmanian Police and Pipe Band

Tasmanian Police and its Pipe Band will lead the way for the parade. 

Whether they blare their sirens, or blow their bagpipe, you’ll be sure to know when the parade has started. 

The band has participated for a number of years, and is a staple memory of the parade for any youngings (and not so youngings). 

#2: Chilli FM

#3: RSPCA TASMANIA 

#4: APEX Club of Tamar

The organisers – APEX Club of Tamar – will feature its mascot, Dunk, for the first time. 

This year the parade will donate all funds raised to the RSPCA. 

#5: Aldersgate Kings Meadows 

About 15 staff and residents of Aldersgate Kings Meadows residents will enter this year’s parade with an Australian theme. 

#6: Trevallyn Sea Scouts 

#7: Roses of Tamar Red Hatters

Last year’s winners of the most colourful and decorated float are back again. 

The Roses of Tamar Red Hatters will feature six ‘roses’ dressed up on their float for their theme: Australian Xmas at the Beach. 

 “We had such a good time [last year]. It was fun, it was for a good cause and APEX do such a magnificent job,” Queen Judith said. 

#8: Glen Dhu Skippers 

The Glen Dhu Primary School skippers take part every year to give the students a chance for an authentic performance. 

About 20 students from grades 3 and 6 will participate. 

“Our ‘float’ involves a line of skippers who rotate through stopping and performing an organised routine,” float organiser Jen Copeland said.

#9: St Vincent De Paul Society 

#10: Girl Guides

#11: Stories Bookshop

Making its first appearance in the parade is Stories Bookshop. 

The store’s theme is An Australian Christmas, featuring the FJ Holden and Stories Bookshop. 

Ten children will participate in the float, along with six adults, including drivers. 

#12: St Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band

#13: Tasmanian Ford Car Club

#14: Lilydale District School

#15: Dance Pointe 

Also making its first appearance is Dance Pointe. About 45 students will take part and sticking to the theme ballerinas and students will wear national costumes from Poland, Hungary, Russia, Romania and Ukraine. 

#16: Prospect Medical Centre 

The elves has left the pole and will be giving Launceston a sneak peek into what’s going on behind the scene.

The float will be filled with elves, checking lists.

Prospect Medical Centre has been planning their float since they learned what the theme would be. 

“The Practice’s first participated in 2014 and won Best Adherence to Theme float with our Christmas Dreams float,” float organiser Cecily Igglesden said. 

“We entered again in 2015 with an Alice in Wonderland Christmas dinner and Toy Story Christmas for the Disney themed parade and won the Creativity and Craftsman award.”

Cecily said it was good to give back to the community. 

“It’s a good feeling when the team work makes the float come together and then really enjoyable as you walk the streets feeling the Christmas spirit and knowing you’ve contributed to that.”

#17: Goodstart Early Learning Centre 

Their float will be decorated half Winter Christmas and Summer Christmas to represent Christmas around the world. 

All the flags from around the world will be showcased by about 30 adults and children. 

#18: Island Drill Dance

#19: Riverside Cup Scouts 

#20: St Finn Barrs Catholic School

St Finn Barrs Catholic School “love” participating in the parade. 

“It is a great day that really highlights our sense of community and involvement,” float organiser Jenny Flynn.

“We were lucky enough in 2015 to win the Mayors choice and in 2016 we won best theme adherence and best school.”

#21: Youngtown Rotary Club

Entering for the first time – Youngtown Rotary Club will enter a 3.5 metre high model of the sinking titanic to promote the club’s Soggy Bottom Cardboard Box Boat Race. 

Rotarians will be dressed in festive shirts and Santa hats, life jackets and floaties will be on the sinking Titanic.

“We hope that this is an opportunity for Rotarians to thank the Launceston community for their incredible support in 2017,” float organiser Sandy Astill said. 

#22: City of Launceston RSL pipes and drums

With the City of Launceston’s RSL pipes and drums band’s new uniform making its debut, onlookers are in store for a treat. 

Float organisers say they have long been taking part in the Christmas parade and say this year’s passion will be no different. 

The band practises at the RSL in Wellington Street on Monday and Wednesday nights from 7pm and is always welcoming new members. 

#23: Store it Safe 

#24: SES

#25: Tasmania Fire Service 

#26: Aviation and Fire Rescue

#27: Dance Clubs Launceston

TazKatz Rockabilly club take part in the parade to give back to the community. 

The float includes various dancers dressed in their finest gear, which float organisers say is a colourful spectacular. 

“We walk along … when the parade stops – we dance. Then we move along again,” float organiser Lisa Mahoney said. 

#28: Taspop

#29: Bearded Buddies Tasmania 

Tasmania’s schnauzers club will parade to support the RSPCA and the work they do. 

“We love our schnauzers who are wonderful companions in our lives, embodying the Christmas spirit of joy and happiness as well as providing the health benefit of regular walking,” float organiser Cathy Williams said. 

#30: Larmenier Catholic Primary School

The school is entering the APEX Launceston Christmas Parade for the fifth time. 

About 25 children will walk with the parade, which the children have helped design. 

The children have made their own flags for a country that starts with the same letter as their name. 

“They did this at home and were then encouraged to research the Christmas traditions of this country with their parents,” float organiser Fiona De Wit said. 

#31: Tapestry Dance Studio

#32: YMCA of Launceston 

The YMCA will try to celebrate around the world in 120 countries and hope to have the same amount of participants involved. 

The float will feature a world globe showing where the YMCA is based in the world. 

The YMCA’s “token dog” will take the passenger seat in the parade. 

YMCA first entered the parade in 2015. 

#33: North Launceston Amazonz Netball Club 

#34: Devils State Derby League

Float on wheels: They will be rolling  …

About a dozen members will skate through the parade. 

“We love the opportunity to be visible to our community,” float organiser Nicole Vasek said. 

The club will have a twist on traditional Christmas colours, being decked out in purple, black and white. 

#35: City of Launceston RSL band

City of Launceston RSL Band has been taking part in the Launceston Christmas Parade for more than 50 years. 

“We march along to a number of Christmas carols and are regularly placed just in front of Santa at the end of the parade,” float organiser Julie Lynch said. 

#36: Mrs Clause and the big man himself (hopefully). 

Parade organisers have reserved a special spot for Santa and Mrs Clause to finish off the parade.

Santa’s whereabouts are unable to be confirmed, but they’re praying for him to make a special appearance.

PARADE DETAILS:  

The Christmas Parade will begin at 11am on Saturday.

Shields Street, St John Street, Charles Street, William Street, Brisbane Street and Cimitiere Street, among several others, will be partially closed.

The affected roads will be closed from 9am and are expected to reopen in the afternoon. 

The weather is meant to be warm again, so a hat and sunscreen is highly recommended.