A parade of military and war-era vehicles, horses, and more than 200 marchers, will mark the 100th year after the landing at Gallipoli of Anzac forces as it winds through the streets of Balclutha on April 26.
Clutha District Council community support and development adviser Jean Proctor said Sunday's ''2015 The Anzac Connection - Clutha District'' was to be held after Anzac Day ''to not disrupt the Anzac services''.
''And to ensure that we can give everyone, district wide, the opportunity to take part in this.''
Mrs Proctor said she and the other planners, who first met in August last year, hoped to create an ''experience rather than an event''.
''The parade is just the beginning of the event,'' she said.
The commemorative parade starts on Clyde St, at the Clutha Districts RSA, and heads down John St, past the cenotaph and towards the Cross Recreation Centre grounds, where a reception will be held in tribute to Anzac soldiers.
Led by Balclutha police, the Balclutha pipe band and then about 20 marching members of the New Zealand Defence Force, followed by military vehicles, Dunedin City Cadets, and the Clutha District RSA, in total 41 entries, about 220 people, would take part in the parade, she said.
''It's grown and it's exciting because people have really got on board with it.''
Shortly after the parade arrives at the recreation centre, about 12.30pm, a vintage aircraft flyover, featuring a Tiger Moth, would precede a reception including historical displays, knitted poppies, and floral art.
Flag-breaking of the Australian and New Zealand flags would follow a welcome by Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay.
Performances by Phoenix Singers, Clutha Dance, Balclutha Primary School Choir, Colleen Hosking, Balmoral Dance Group and Ross Agnew would focus on war-era song and dance, she said. Clutha Youth Drama would present a 15-minute play written for the occasion, Mrs Proctor said.
''There will be quite a reception,'' she said.
''It's going to actually look quite impressive.''
Hundreds were expected to line Balclutha's streets on the day.
''It's about connection,'' Mrs Proctor said.
The day's events were organised by people from across the district, she said.
