State Highway 1 was closed through Balclutha’s main business district for several hours as a festive market, country fair and centrepiece parade took place.
Representatives from local Filipino, Chinese and Samoan communities intermingled with themed floats from local schools and community groups.
Bringing a riot of colour and sound to the parade was the newly-formed Samoan Society of the Clutha District, whose members braved the somewhat brisk and breezy conditions in traditional Samoan garb.
A spokesman said the society was delighted to have come together in time to take part in the parade, and share in festivities with the wider South Otago community.
The society had been formed to help foster and celebrate Samoan culture locally, and would aim to take part in and hold further community outreach events.
Unintended spectators for the second year running were Oamaru couple Jim and Diane Davison.
The Davisons said they had inadvertently timed their trip back from a break in Invercargill to overlap with the parade’s road closure both last year and this.
"We don’t mind at all though. It’s a fantastic seasonal celebration and we’re quite happy to be stuck, really," Mr Davison said.
Parade spokeswoman Christina Johnston said it was a "special day" for the district.
"I loved seeing so many people come down, despite the weather. The floats were just amazing, so much effort went into them. There were heaps of stalls, yummy food on offer and best of all so many happy, smiley kids."
She said the parade had been a "true community effort".
The parade was "... just so worth it for the community. I’d love to see it bigger and better next year, so watch this space".
