Snow, wind, and rain could not have come at a worse time for organisers of events throughout Central Otago during Labour Weekend.
Numbers were down at many scheduled activities across the district on Saturday, as a southerly front made its way through the area.
With strong winds blowing cool air off the snow-covered hills, not even a respite in periodic rain showers tempted people to stray from the comfort of their homes.
The weather was blamed for a smaller than expected turnout at Alexandra's market in Pioneer Park on Saturday, as well as the Union Parish Church Fair at St Enoch's Church across the road.
Roxburgh's big weekend of the year was also hard hit, with many people choosing to stay away from outside events such as the usually popular classic car rally at the Roxburgh Area School.
Indoor activities such as the town's two-yearly art festival, which was displayed in the Roxburgh Town Hall, drew larger crowds.
The Roxburgh Public Library's massive book sale, at the town's Memorial Hall, also offered cover-to-cover indulgence for literature fans.
Pictures of the moving variety also made an impression in the town over the weekend, as the Roxburgh Cinema celebrated the 110th anniversary of its opening in 1898.
Mamma Mia screened at the cinema on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon in celebration of the milestone, where prizes for best dressed in the Abba theme were handed out.
In Cromwell, the Lake Dunstan Floral Art Club's display, held in the town's Presbyterian Church, attracted 120 people on Saturday.
Initial bad weather was more than made up for yesterday, however, when blue skies and sunshine greeted residents and visitors across the district.
The first of this season's Central Otago Farmers Market at Old Cromwell Town's historic precinct was bustling with people from 9am.
And half-marathon runners made the most of fine weather for their event around central Cromwell.
Motorcyclists competing in the New Zealand Trials Championships at Earnscleugh also enjoyed warmer weather on the second day of the three-day competition yesterday.
