Counting the days

Outram is counting down the days as it prepares to saddle up with the 2015 Otago Goldfields Cavalcade.

The annual Cavalcade pays homage to the travel that prospectors undertook to reach the Central Otago goldfields in the 1850s and '60s.

Five horse groups, three walking groups, a heavy-wagon group and a light-wagon group will start their journey at several places around Otago and finish on February 28 next year.

Outram Cavalcade committee chairman Denis Aitken said Outram was a fitting place for the end of the event.

''Outram was the last stopping place before [gold prospectors] headed up the hill,'' he said.

The cavalcade committee had spent the past several months organising accommodation for cavalcaders and events for the arrival day.

''In total, we'll be catering for about 450 horses.''

A parade of horses and cavalcaders will travel through town at midday on Saturday followed by a country fair at the West Taieri Rugby Club and a hoedown on the Sunday.

''There will be musical entertainment all around and up to 60 craft and food stalls.

''It gives all the groups in Outram a chance to have a stall, to help and participate.

''We've pretty much got it sorted,'' Mr Aitken said.

While everything is now under control, the organisational process has not been all smooth sailing for the committee.

''We're frustrated with the amount of consent conditions required to run a country day.

''It used to be that you could put up a tent for a kids fair but now we've got to do consent.

''It's a bit excessive . . . The planning is in the final stages.''

Mr Aitken was looking at catering for 7000 people over the weekend.

''We're expecting a large contingent of people from Mosgiel and Dunedin throughout the day.''

While large numbers were expected, the success of the day was still not guaranteed.

''It's very, very weather dependent.

''If we get a good day, it could be a very big economic benefit.''

 

- Alastair Lynn

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