Murray Bruce guides a barge on the Waihao River on Saturday. Photo by Sally Rae.
The celebrations marked 70 years since the opening of the Centennial Memorial Hall near Morven in South Canterbury and 25 years since it reopened.
Local farmer Murray Bruce took seven trips with his barge on the river and said an elephant seal, which has been living in the area since Labour Weekend, proved quite an attraction.
Mr Bruce has lived in the area for more than 70 years and had not seen an elephant seal there before.
Barge-goers also spotted a crested grebe, which was also quite uncommon, he said.
Mr Bruce, who was involved with organising the celebrations, described the weekend as "marvellous" and a great community event.
