A crowd of about 3000 people is expected to descend on Glenorchy for the town's annual race day today.
The race meeting, now in its 53rd year, is something of an institution in the township.
Organiser Bruce Douglas said the event was a way of giving back to the community.
''Everything we raise goes to support local projects - everything is spent locally.''
While fundraising is important, fun is the day's objective.
''Everyone comes and has a picnic day out and just has fun. To a lot of people, the races are a sideline for them,'' he joked.
It is a family day out, with people of all ages enjoying the atmosphere as well as the racing itself.
There are 10 races in total, including the ladies' gallop, the open gallop, quarter-mile sprint and relay gallop. Rounding off the day and the highlight for many is the locals' gallop.
Entrants can sign up on arrival and Mr Douglas said people from across Otago and Southland attended. Those competing are all amateurs but organisers said it was not riding for the faint-hearted or inexperienced.
The festivities do not stop at the finish line; live music will follow the action on the racetrack and racegoers can dance into the small hours.
The first race at the 2015 Glenorchy races today will start at 11am and the action will wrap up about 5pm.
- by Louise Scott
