Pageant legend receives special honour
The Christmas pageant is a uniquely South Australian experience. Many of us have childhood memories of sitting on the warm city streets, drawing with chalk on the road and waiting intently for Santa to pass on a float.
Other people recall taking part in the pageant, whether it’s as a clown, playing in a brass band or even being aboard one of the many colourful floats.
National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant Assistant Manager Vicki Wegmann, who has been involved with the event for 32 years, has created special memories for thousands of South Australians.
It all started in 1993 when Vicki was working at John Martin’s, the department store which organised and ran the Christmas Pageant at the time.
“One day someone asked if I’d like to come do a bit of work in the pageant department,” Vicki says. “The receptionist had just retired, so I started working in pageant, just doing some paperwork.”
The Adelaide Christmas pageant was started by Sir Edward Hayward – owner of the Adelaide department store John Martin & Co – in 1933.
Vicki’s various pageant jobs
Vicki’s first role on pageant day in 1993 was to hand out accessories like skipping ropes and hoops to performers. It’s a job Vicki cherishes to this day.
The pageant veteran has also been in the pageant, playing characters including the queen on the Puss in Boots float.
“The throne was for a king, but we decided not have the king that year – we would have Queen Vicki instead,” Vicki says.
“So, I got to be the queen, sitting on my throne. I’m quite short and my feet couldn’t reach the float so I had a special stool made for me and they also made a sceptre.
“I also was lucky enough to have my two kids on the float with me that year as well.”
Vicki’s special honour
This year, Vicki has been granted the special honour of blowing the golden whistle to start the pageant on 2 November – a tradition that has been part of the event since it was founded.
This is an honour reserved for people who have made a significant contribution to the Christmas pageant.
“In my 32nd year, I get to blow the golden whistle to start the pageant,” Vicki says. “I’m very excited to do it and I think it’s going to be one of the best moments.
“In pageant world, it’s a big deal, so I’m very excited.”
Vicki favourite part of the pageant is just before the event kicks off. Each year, she’ll peer down King William Street and look at the sea of faces waiting patiently for the festivities to begin.
“It’s the most-beautiful sight and I think what I’ve done for 12 months has made this happen,” Vicki says.
“To see all those people there just so excited waiting for the floats to start is an incredible sight – it gives me goosebumps.
“I do it for the people of South Australia and for all those kids out there that love it. It doesn’t cost them anything to come and sit and watch the pageant.”