Preparations for this year's Otago Goldfields Cavalcade are well under way and host town Tapanui is planning a ''massive'' programme of events.
The cavalcade features eight trails - three riding, three walking, and two wagon trails - with horse trails starting on February 23, and walking trails on February 26.
The event has been dubbed the Panning the Pomahaka Cavalcade, and all trails will converge on Tapanui on March 2.
Cavalcade co-ordinator Terry Davis said the host committee had organised a ''massive'' programme of events.
''It's really impressive. I reckon it's been 10 years since we've had such a good programme.''
West Otago Cavalcade committee secretary Gloria McHutchon said this was the first time the event had come to Tapanui and the town wanted to show some ''good West Otago hospitality''.
A family carnival was planned for Saturday, March 2 at the West Otago A&P Showgrounds on State Highway 90 near Tapanui.
Events include the carnival, parade, and a dinner followed by a hoedown.
Tractor ''dancing'', barrel racing, karate demonstrations and Kaitangata musician Aaron Jury would also form part of the carnival day. More than 40 stall holders had already registered.
The New Zealand Army Band would play and Wanaka musician Jody Direen would provide entertainment at the hoedown. West Otago residents would be involved in a range of tasks, from catering to looking after the cavalcade participants and horses, helping with car parking, and hosting stalls, she said.
More than 400 people had already registered for the cavalcade.
Mr Davis said for most, the cavalcade was a life-changing experience.
''It's a unique chance to spend a week in the high country. Camaraderie really develops through shared hardship - it forms really strong bonds.''
He said many cavalcaders had taken part for years and were getting older, but it was heartening to see the steady numbers of first-time cavalcaders. The events provided a chance to meet people from all walks of life, he said.
