Organisers of Arrowtown celebrations around next year's 150th anniversary of the discovery of gold in Central Otago are holding a "community get-together" this month to help launch the festivities.
The discovery of gold in many parts of the region in 1862 led to the formation of several towns, such as Arrowtown, as Central Otago became gripped with gold fever.
Committee secretary and Arrowtown local Julie Hughes said a committee and draft programme had been formed, and all that was needed was for "people to come on board and help out".
She said ideas and manpower were needed to make the celebrations "a huge success and lots of fun for everyone".
"[There are] lots of small jobs needing done, so the more the merrier."
The Central Lakes Trust last month approved funding of $200,000 to help support projects celebrating the 150th anniversary, with application forms considered until October 31 this year.
"This will be a fantastic Arrowtown and wider-community celebration and we would love everyone - new to the area or longtime locals - to come along and get involved," Mrs Hughes said. She also said it was "great" to have Otago Daily Times on board as the first sponsor of the celebrations - especially considering the paper celebrates its 150th anniversary in November this year.
The community get-together will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday, July 21, at the Arrowtown Brewery.
