Thousands turned out in good weather yesterday for the Victorian Fete, the highlight of the celebrations, and were rewarded with the high standard of this year's entertainment.
Final numbers will not be known until gate takings are counted but secretary Faye Ormandy proclaimed it ''one of the biggest crowds ever''.
• Slideshow: Victorian celebrations continue in Oamaru
Organising committee chairman Kevin Malcolm was also fizzing about the Wheeltappers and Shunters Shindig on Saturday night, which attracted 200 people - when in the past it had been a struggle to get 100 along.
''It's not only the people who have come to celebrate, but a lot more have played a greater part by dressing up and going to the activities,'' he said.
The Grand Street Parade on Saturday was ''a cracker'', with more people taking part, and he paid particular tribute to Maheno School, whose 50 pupils, supported by staff and parents, dressed up and had a float and other props to support this year's theme of transport.
This year also marked the first involvement of Tourism Waitaki, the role of which would grow in the future through promotion and behind-the-scenes support.
Mr Malcolm was sure that had contributed to this year's success.
''Heritage is the jewel in our crown, and we have to promote it more.''
An expansion of the amount of stall space resulted in more than 120 stalls selling all kinds of goods and food at the fete yesterday, Mrs Ormandy said.
Demand for stalls had been solid right up until the last person turned up hoping for a space, about 11am yesterday.
A highlight for Mrs Ormandy was the number of young people who got involved, dressing up for events, taking part and offering their help.
''It's wonderful to see those young people and [it] gives an assurance for the future,'' she said.
