YEEHA! That's the word from the organisers of a country music hoedown that has outgrown both Omarama and Otematata and is being moved to Cromwell this year.
Ferg Mitchell, of Cromwell, started the hoedown more than 25 years ago in the Hakataramea Hotel.
The annual event moved to Otematata and was then moved to Omarama after growing into a three-day festival.
"It's outgrown the venue each time and now it's going to be held at the Cromwell Racecourse, where there is plenty of room for it to grow," Mr Mitchell said.
It will be staged on November 16, 17 and 18 and about 1000 people are expected to attend.
Event sponsor Mike Hedges, of Cromwell, said a name had yet to be decided for hoedown, but it was likely to include "Gold" in the title as this year is the 150th anniversary of the discovery of gold in the Dunstan goldfields.
"This is one of the biggest country and western festivals in the country, and the number coming along every year continues to get bigger and bigger," Mr Hedges said .
The hoedown involved more than 60 entertainers and the show on the Saturday night included top recording artists, he said.
People travelled from all over the country to attend and many came in campervans and mobile homes, so the racecourse would be an ideal venue.
"We're hoping to run busking in town on the Friday or the Saturday, which is all part of it and sets the scene for the weekend," Mr Mitchell said.
