After a three-year hiatus, the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant is back on the streets of Adelaide, kicking off tomorrow morning at 9.30am.
South Australia Police (SAPOL) has been preparing for this day with the event organisers and is excited to see the delight this event is guaranteed to bring to event attendees. SAPOL will lead the parade with Mounted Operations Unit and a Blue Light fleet paving the way for the other hundreds of floats and performers.
Police Commander for the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant 2022, Chief Inspector Peter Duance is encouraging members of the public to enjoy the pageant safely.
“The pageant traditionally brings in hundreds of thousands of attendees and it can be very easy for young and excited children to get separated from their families or caregivers,” said Chief Inspector Duance.
“I would encourage everyone to be extra vigilant and to agree on a meeting place in the unfortunate event that family members lose each other.”
To assist in identifying children and vulnerable adults SAPOL will have wristbands available. The wristbands are proudly supported by Neighbourhood Watch SA, and provide a space where vital information about the wearer such as a phone number, medical advice, languages spoken, or details of any vulnerabilities can be noted, allowing an assisting person to provide relevant and immediate support if the wearer finds themselves lost or in need of help.
“The wristbands are available from your local police station (prior to attending the pageant) or from any police officer, State Emergency Service or other pageant volunteer you see walking along the street parade.”
To ensure everyone’s safety, SAPOL also encourages pageant attendees to:
* Take a photograph of your child/ren before leaving to attend the pageant. Having a photograph of a child in the clothes that they are wearing on pageant day assists SAPOL when seeking to reunite missing children with their families/caregivers.
* Remain behind the Blue Honour Line (blue painted line on the roads) at all times while watching the pageant. Let children sit at the front and be respectful to those around you so that everyone can have an enjoyable time.
* Do not camp / set up on any roads prior to them being closed.
* For those who have left your planning to the last minute, make sure that you check out the pageant route and think about road closures, parking restrictions and changes to public transport ahead of time to ensure a stress-free morning.
* Report any suspicious behaviour at the pageant by calling 131 444 or speaking to any police officer at the event.
* Be aware of traffic restrictions in place in and around the city and be extra patient on the road.
To find out more about the pageant including the parade route please visit the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant website.
