Rural Art Deco Maniototo chairwoman Diane Paterson said everyone's thoughts had been with those affected by the earthquake and an auction and other fundraising events were held in conjunction with the festival, with the proceeds going to the earthquake appeal.
Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper, who officially opened the festival on Saturday, said everyone in Central Otago had strong ties with Christchurch and the district's residents would all they could to help their Cantabrian neighbours.
"It's a little ironic to think the other art deco festival, in Napier, is based on buildings that grew out of a major earthquake," he said.
He praised the volunteer work behind the Art Deco festival and said the 11th annual event was very much part of the fabric of Central Otago society.
Ms Paterson was pleased with the success of the three-day festival, which began on Friday with a "war-time dance".
"The cabaret on Friday was sold out and the Christchurch band booked for that had to cancel so we were fortunate to be able to get another band for the dance - Forbidden Fruit from Dunedin -who only had a day to rehearse but they even managed some war-time songs."
Hundreds of people flowed into Ranfurly's main street on Saturday afternoon.
Along with bands, music, can-can and rock 'n' roll dance demonstrations, the crowd enjoyed the procession which included army vehicles and vintage and classic cars.
Club secretary Darryl Brewer, of Dunedin, said the club had members from Ashburton to Invercargill and they collected anything relating to the military.
Children were well-catered for, with a host of entertainment aimed at youngsters, from face-painting and a treasure hunt through to the "dolly-derby"- a race featuring home-made go-karts.
Many of those attending dressed in keeping with the Art Deco theme, with several saying it was good opportunity to wear outfits which were family heirlooms.
Shady hats and parasols served a double purpose as the temperature reached 26degC.
Christchurch street entertainer Geoff Veale lived up to the saying "the show must go on", turning up to entertain the crowd.
The entertainer, known by his stage name of "Hefty Geoff", says he has yet to find out if his own home in the city is habitable, but he is one of the lucky ones.
Mr Veale said he enjoyed a good night's sleep in Ranfurly on Friday night, away from the constant aftershocks that unnerve Cantabrians.
His "day job" is being a street entertainer, based around the Christchurch Arts Centre, busking and working at parties and functions.
His act involves juggling and sword-swallowing.
Tipping a heap of broken glass on to a tarpaulin on Saturday, for part of his act, he joked the glass was "all that remains of my Christchurch house".
The second annual Maniototo Art Exhibition, held in conjunction with the festival, also proved popular, with a steady stream of visitors during the weekend.
It featured works by more than 20 artists, with the guest artist painter and sculptor Rachel Hirabayashi, of Cromwell.
The festival finished yesterday with a church service in the main street in the morning and the art exhibition closing in the afternoon.
