The 2014 NZ Open tees off today. It is being held across two courses, The Hills and Millbrook Resort, for the first two days. It is the first time the resort has hosted the Open since 2010.
Tonight Buckingham St will be party central, closed off to traffic to enable residents, visitors, golfers and supporters to celebrate together.
Organiser Julie Hughes said the party would begin about 5.30pm with ''some traditional Arrowtown entertainment'', including the Arrowtown Miners' Band and the Buckingham Belles dance troupe.
After an official opening from Sir Michael Hill at 6.30pm, REDband, featuring musicians Nigel Hirst, Charlotte Graf, Matt Anthony, Margaret O'Hanlon, Ivan Hamilton and Mark Wilson, would entertain the crowd.
Flame Entertainment would give a ''magical and spectacular'' fire display about 9.30pm. Food and beverage stalls would be set up along the street, with many businesses open to cater to the visitors.
''We first held a similar event in 2009 and it was so well received we've decided to bring it back bigger and better.
''We're so privileged to have a world-class sporting event on our doorstep and it's our chance to show people what's on offer in Arrowtown.''
Transport from Queenstown would be provided by NZSki with buses leaving Queenstown at 5pm from the Station building, opposite Sofitel, via the Frankton Bus Shelter and returning at 10pm.
