A cluster of red, white and blue balloons floated above the Oamaru racecourse yesterday afternoon as the Queen of Victorian Oamaru officially opened the town's Victorian heritage celebrations.
For the second year, the celebrations opened with the Oamaru Harness Racing Club's heritage race meeting.
The Queen (Julie Walker), surrounded by her bodyguards, even declared the day had more character, fortitude and stylish elegance than her "beloved Ascot".
There was a village green of mini-marquees and many race-goers dressed in period costume.
Judith Amyes, who was judging a Victorian fashion-in-the field competition, was looking for style, elegance, Victorian "paraphernalia" and panache.
Margaret Gaze-Wickenden was enjoying having a flutter, notching up a win and a second placing after only two races.
One of the horses she bet on was called Maggie - "and I'm a Maggie" - while the other was called Dance Band "and I like to dance".
Staff from the North End Health Centre entered into the spirit of the day, with a variety of dashing outfits.
Tracy Tessier-Varlet created a Christmas tree hat, complete with chocolate Santas.
Junior harness racing drivers, and ponies with names such as Chocolate and Flash, took part in Kidz Kartz races.
The annual penny-farthing tour, which started in Kaiapoi on Saturday, arrived in time for the official opening.
Local artists Donna Demente and Oliver Briggs made the journey with kelpie dog Jesus, who was riding in a trailer, and Tuppence the poodle.
The dogs were fed, watered and admired by all who encountered them and had such a good time "they want to go next time", Ms Demente said.
The tour encountered "incredible weather", although 30degC on the first day was a little hot, and apart from a few mishaps, it was an enjoyable trip, she said.
Tuppence's next big outing is the beard-growing contest at the Victorian fete on Sunday.
Graeme Simpson, of Oamaru, won a race for penny-farthings and veteran safety cycles on the all-weather track.
People from all over the world were attending the heritage celebrations which were "becoming really famous", Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton said.
