More than 50 police officers will make sure this year's Alexandra Blossom Festival is orderly, as thousands of people make their way into the town for the weekend.
An additional 40 officers from Dunedin, Invercargill, and Oamaru will be on duty in Alexandra from today , when the bulk of people are expected to arrive in the town.
Central Otago sub-area commander Senior Sergeant Jill Woods said as well as the additional officers, most local police would be rostered on to work over the weekend in Alexandra, Cromwell, Roxburgh, Omakau, and Ranfurly.
The highway patrol and rural drink-drive team will also be patrolling in and around Central Otago while the main festival events take place.
Snr Sgt Woods said police would take a hard line to enforce the liquor bans in place at Alexandra, Clyde and Cromwell, and prevent disorder.
"We are focusing on the fact that we've got a lot of extra people coming into the area, and we want to make sure the festival is enjoyable for everyone.
"We will be targeting intoxication and disorder . . . The liquor bans will be strictly enforced, and we won't make exceptions. This is a family event and we want families to feel safe," she said.
Snr Sgt Woods said the additional police would leave Alexandra after the weekend's activities.
"Events during the rest of the festival don't usually cause us any problems," she said.
This morning, the festival procession will take place down Centennial Ave, and Pioneer Park will host market stalls, circus rides, food and entertainment.
Tomorrow, a drag-racing event will be held at Alexandra Airport.
