And then it was cancelled.
The Victorian Garden Party was meant to be one of the biggest events in Oamaru’s Heritage Celebrations, but a consistent drizzle and hearty winds put a stop to it.
But what to do about all that food?
Catering prepared for about 300 people was instead shared around rest-homes, organisations and heritage-related businesses in town.
Whitestone Funerals manager Lea Campbell said the plan B was a way to make sure elderly members of the community still felt involved, workers felt appreciated and the food did not go to waste.
It had sponsored the event and organised for rest-home residents to enjoy the party.
It was a shame the event was called off, but spreading the food around town meant they got to interact with people in a more direct way.
"In some ways it felt more personal."
Despite the event being cancelled, all of the hard work had already been put in and she encouraged people to take a walk around the gardens to admire their work.
A range of events are scheduled for the weekend when the weather is expected to be better.
