Matuanui Mavericks trail boss Winston Parks (centre), of
Owaka, leads his group in the cavalcade parade through
Waikaka on Saturday. Photo by Glenn Conway.
Journey's end for hundreds of riders, walkers and
supporters on the 2009 Otago Goldfields Cavalcade on Saturday,
came with one of the biggest crowds to descend on the small
Southland township of Waikaka.
An estimated 2000 people crammed every vantage point and
along the main street to catch a glimpse of the 450 cavalcade
participants who wearily rode or walked into the host town.
After a journey which, for some, lasted more than a week, it
was a warm welcome and recognition of the public's
appreciation of their efforts over what had been a relatively
trouble-free cavalcade.
Cavalcade convener Roberta Laraman was teary-eyed after the
parade, realising another big year in the top job was over
and all the riders had made it safely to the town which would
play host for a day and night of celebrations.
"Just like every other of our 17 years, this has been an
incredible experience and a wonderful journey for everyone
involved," she said.
The riders and walkers may have been exhausted but few showed
it as they basked in the welcome that spread out for more
than 1km through Waikaka.
Mrs Laraman said Waikaka had gone out of its way and produced
a welcome to be proud of.
"The people here are so resourceful and have put in a
brilliant effort."
The township's domain resembled a major carnival setting as a
large marquee, dozens of stalls, music and other
entertainment attracted hundreds.
For many, the grand parade at noon was a highlight.
For the participants, it represented the end of months of
planning and a logistical exercise Mrs Laraman said seemed to
get bigger every year.
"But we all have a ball. There is just something special
about this event. People keep coming back. Everything is
aimed for the month of February and people on it plan their
entire year around it," she said.
The public were entertained for the rest of the afternoon by
a juggler, country music and other activities.
After a well deserved clean-up and taking care of their
animals, the "cavalcaders" gathered for a hoedown attended by
more than 1000 people.
Next year's host town is Wanaka.
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