Tasmania’s beloved football mascot will make his Christmas pageant debut this weekend, adding a touch of sporting flair to Hobart’s festive season kick-off.
Rum’un, the Tasmania Football Club’s Tasmanian devil mascot, will join Santa and around 50 community groups for the 43rd Hobart Christmas Pageant on Saturday.
The free event runs from 10:30am to 12pm through the city’s CBD, officially launching Hobart’s Christmas celebrations for the year.
City of Hobart community and economic director Ben Artup said the partnership came together through the event’s organisers.
“We’re very excited to have Rum’un on board with the Tasmanian Football Club’s new mascot,” he said.
“It’s his first attendance at the pageant … so come down and meet Rum’un.”
The mascot has already won hearts across the state since the AFL club’s establishment.
Tasmania Football Club head of marketing Ella Scott said community engagement was at the heart of the club’s mission.
“He’s the heart and soul of our club, really, when you think about it and he’s in hot demand for appearances all over the state,” she said.
“Young and old and people near and far absolutely adore him.”
Saturday’s pageant will feature colourful floats, multicultural performances, dance schools, marching bands and sporting clubs.
Children’s entertainer Zindzi & the Zillionaires will lead the festivities.
Thousands are expected to line the streets, though organisers anticipate numbers may fall short of last year’s crowd of more than 40,000.
For Devils supporters, the club’s headquarters will open from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, with an exclusive Rum’un Christmas T-shirt launching for the occasion.
Santa photos will be available at Myer from 12pm to 2pm.
Free parking will be available at the Regatta Grounds with shuttle bus services and on CBD streets including the Argyle Street car park.
TasPorts will provide free parking in two-hour spaces along the waterfront.
The all-weather event will proceed rain or shine unless conditions become extreme.
