New Year's Eve celebrations at Pounawea went off with a bang.
A fireworks display, prepared by local Owaka man Chris Bennett, was the highlight of the New Year's Eve Family Event, organised by the Pounawea Projects Group.
Crowds were entertained through the evening by covers band Sweet Latitude, while a variety auction enticed people into heckling and outbidding each other for mystery items, which included bottles of wine, bags of mushrooms and a return trip for two to Stuart Island, which sold for $350.
New Years celebrations are a way for the Pounawea community to raise funds for local projects, and Pounawea resident Anne-Marie Holland said the event was well supported by people staying in holiday accommodation and those from around the Clutha District.
It was the fifth New Years event co-ordinated by the group.
A sausage sizzle and drinks stand were set up in the shelter built with the profits from last year's event.
The funds were also used to reseal the Pounawea tennis courts.
Owaka police constable Murray Hewitson said there was a good crowd, and the night went off without any hitches.
The Kaka Point beach bonfire was well attended, with New Year's revellers enjoying music and a sausage sizzle.
Historically, the event has attracted trouble, with youth drinking to excess, and a glass ban was enforced this year.
Kaka Point Community Group events manager Lisa Lyall said the bonfire was "much better than last year".
