It seems Alexandra residents were just looking for an excuse to dress up and have a ball.
The town's first community ball, held on Saturday night, was such a success that the event is set to become a regular fixture, its organisers say.
"People loved it.
"It was a good crowd. They enjoyed having an excuse to dress up, they loved the band and they raved about the supper too. They're already talking about the next one," organiser Catherine Graham said.
She and a groups of friends organised the ball, which was attended by about 140 people. The proceeds will be donated to the Alexandra Blossom Festival.
The organisers were pleased with the attendance, considering it was the first time the ball had been staged and it clashed with several other functions in Alexandra that night.
Although they had yet to tally the takings, it had made a profit so "a few thousand dollars" would be donated, Mrs Graham said.
The Dunedin-based band "almost didn't get through" because so many roads were closed by flooding, but apart from that, the evening went smoothly.
Alexandra Youth Forum members volunteered as waitresses for the ball and Alexandra Lions Club members also volunteered their time, greeting guests and manning the bar.
Mrs Graham was also grateful to local businesses which donated goods for an auction held during the evening.
"All in all, it was a very successful night and it was nice to hear people talking about coming to the next one."
