There was a community sigh of relief as the 30th Goldfields Cavalcade grand parade rolled into Millers Flat on Saturday.
It was two years in the making but there was nothing but praise for the organisers as the riders, wagoners, walkers, trampers and cyclists made their way past the old Millers Flat railway station and into the sports ground to whoops of delight and loud applause.
Host town committee chairwoman Deb Dons said the parade was a wonderful display and the committee was delighted with the crowd at the carnival, which ran all day.
"It was joyful."
Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust cavalcade co-ordinator Terry Davis said the spirit of the cavalcade was supported by outstanding landowners who were willing to help out.
"It’s been a fantastic week. We’ve had brilliant land owners and brilliant communities helping us out. That’s been the stand-out of this week, just how helpful and generous people have been."
In the crowd watching were couples who had done many cavalcades but were no longer able to cope with a week in a wagon or saddle.
Barb and Fin Mackay, of Tuturau, had prime position to clap and cheer for the riders in the grand parade as they passed.
Mr Mackay had ridden 23 trails and Mrs Mackay had been back-up crew for 21.
It was the first year they had not taken part but they still had lots of friends riding, Mrs Mackay said.
Bob and Toni Fairhurst, of Millers Flat, had done more than 20 trails with Shetland ponies in harnesses.
They had been told the small horses would not be able to cope, Mr Fairhurst said.
"We were often the first up a hill; they just kept steadily zig-zagging up."
Asked if he missed going on the trails, Mr Fairhurst’s response was instant.
"Hell, yeah."
Retired Patearoa farmer Jim Hore, who completed his 19th trail on Saturday, said the trails had changed a lot in the three decades they had been running.
"We used to all sleep together in wool sheds. Some of those horse trucks now are like a house."
The youngest trail rider, 13-year-old Ramsey Ashworth, of Dunedin, said she enjoyed the experience.
"I loved it. It’s better than I expected it to be. Lawrence Lions Club catered for us, there was so much food."
She rode on a family-friendly trail and camped at Beaumont, riding out each day on her horse Why Why Delilah.
