Members of the public are welcome to view prize-winning entries at the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand's national Golden Fleece competition.
Hosted by the Otago-Taieri A&P Society, the competition attracted about 95 entries, which was about 20 fewer than last year, RAS executive member Kelly Allison said.
The competition is held for two years running in host centres and next year will head to Oxford.
Mr Allison was not sure why numbers were lower in the competition which, despite being national, mainly attracts South Island entries.
''We're pretty happy with the entry level. There'll be good competition in most classes.
''I'm sure the quality will be exactly the same as last year, in terms of the winning fleece in each section.''
Categories included both fine and strong wool, with the supreme strong and fine fleeces receiving $1000 each.
Guest speaker at the dinner on Friday night is Mark Shadbolt, a Banks Peninsula sheep farmer. Mr Shadbolt, who recently featured on Country Calendar, is managing director of Banks Peninsula Wool Growers Limited, which aims to increase the value of the area's strong wool.
Doors at the Mosgiel showgrounds open about 4pm for viewing of the fleeces, which will be judged before the event. Presentations start about 5.30pm, which the public can also attend.
