About 1000 country music fans are expected in Omarama in November to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of a hoedown which started at the Hakataramea Hotel.
Organised since its inception by Ferg Mitchell, of Cromwell, the hoedown shifted to Otematata when the Hakataramea Hotel closed, and last year, for the first time, it was held in Omarama, becoming the Omarama Merino Countrytime Hoedown.
Mr Mitchell is expecting about 1000 people for the three-day 2011 hoedown, which starts on November 18.
More than 70 artists are expected to perform during the weekend, attracting country music fans from all around New Zealand.
Many come in campervans and mobile homes, some from the North Island. Land has again been allocated around the venue for campervans and mobile homes, with plenty of room to cope with a rally being organised by the South Canterbury Motor Homes branch.
The larger marquee this year will have a dance floor, along with plenty of tables and seating.
Last year, because of the large crowd, tables had to be moved out.
