The sound of country music rang out in Gore's central business area yesterday.
The first day of the long-standing annual Freeze Ya Bits Off busking competition, held alongside the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards, attracted people from as far away as the North Island.
Organising committee member Nicole Parry said she was pleased with the weather, which was overcast but not cold.
The competition won the support not only of the residents who lined the streets but also the businesses, Miss Parry said.
She thought "the judges would have a tough job'' today.
Carylann Martin, who lives in a motorhome and travels around New Zealand, came from the Bay of Islands Country Rock Festival to Gore for the annual New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards.
Ms Martin soaked up the atmosphere at the busking competition.
"I love it - it's just fabulous catching up with music friends.''
It was the first time Ailin Pekar (11), of Gore, had taken part in the busking competition, although she had competed in the junior section of the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards three times.
Ailin said she thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Brian Houliston, of Alexandra, is at the other end of the spectrum - he has been taking part in the busking competition for 20 years.
Country music is a way of life for Mr Houliston, who entertains weekly in Central Otago rest-homes.
Entertainers took part in the competition for a variety of reasons. Kasey Bonn (12) of Queenstown, said she entered to raise money to buy an amplifier.
