An estimated 2000 onlookers lined the main street of Waikaia to welcome Goldfields Cavalcade participants to the town.
The 31st cavalcade came to an end on Saturday when 11 trails converged on the northern Southland town.
Cavalcaders walked, biked, rode or drove in wagons through the centre of town to the sportsground during the grand parade.
Alice Sinclair took part in the light wagon trail, riding her horse Keira.
She had told everyone on this year’s trail this would be her last go-around.
However, everyone encouraged her to come back next year.
"If my body lets me, hopefully I’ll be back."
Mrs Sinclair has taken part in every cavalcade since it was first held in 1991.
The first cavalcade was "sort of an experiment" to see if it was possible to run an event of that kind, Mrs Sinclair said.
There was only one trail and on the first day the weather went from being very hot to a snowstorm.
"The men were all lying out on the ground with their shirts off sunbathing ... Half an hour later we got up the hills and we were into a blizzard."
"You’re way up in the mountains, up on top of the hills, away from the radio, away from the telephone — nobody can get to you," Mrs Sinclair said.
Her daughter Janette Philp travelled from Perth to help her on the trail.
"I couldn’t do without her."
Cavalcade organising committee chairman Malcolm McKee said the end of the cavalcade event was "excellent".
"We couldn’t have got it any better."
A hard-working committee had done well to plan the event, he said.
He was very pleased with the size of the crowd, all of whom appeared to be having a good time on a sunny day.
Entertainment at the event included the Topp Twins, who had proved a drawcard, he said.
Waikaia resident Janet McKee said it had been a "wonderful" day out.
"It was just so friendly.
"I was thrilled how for a little community, everyone put several hats on and worked hard to make it a success."
