In October last year, gala day co-founder and co-organiser Colin Weatherall received a letter from the Lottery Grants Board saying it would not be continuing its long-term funding of the family day.
"There was a strong possibility that it would have nailed us.
"It was certainly a surprise and I was pretty upset the day I got the letter.
"But when I look back, we’ve had funding from them for 27 out of 30 years, so clearly, we’ve had a fairly good run with them."
With few options remaining, determination kicked in, and fellow organisers — wife Ann and son Scott — approached MTF Finance Dunedin South to see if they could fill the financial gap.
"After 30 years, I just couldn’t let it go like that.
To their delight, MTF agreed to fund tomorrow’s event, because it aligned with its belief in supporting grassroots community events, family days out and long-standing local traditions.
Mr Weatherall said it was critical to keeping the event alive.
"Their willingness to step up when we needed help means we can continue delivering this special community event, something we’re proud of and hold very dear."
This year’s event includes 30 food providers, about 150 stalls, amusement rides, interactive learning and educational activities, a harbourmaster’s boat display, a police breath-testing van display, an Otago Rescue Helicopter display, a Lions caravan testing for skin cancer and helicopter rides down the south coast.
Mr Weatherall said he expected about 10,000 people would pass through the gates, and hoped up to $10,000 could be raised for the Brighton Surf Club.
The weather is forecast to be fine and sunny. Gates open at 10am.
