Organisers of Ranfurly's annual Art Deco festival are gearing up for the biggest event to date, as its 10th anniversary approaches.
The Rural Art Deco Maniototo celebrations will be held from February 25 to 28, and will include what have become staple features as well as some new, additional attractions.
Volunteer working group and committee member Amie Pont said this year's festival would have a stronger family focus with expanded entertainment and activities for children.
Tickets were selling fast for the cabaret evening on Friday, February 26, she said.
For those who wanted to dress in Deco style, a collection of fashion items would be available for hire, and others not content to combine modern dance with period costume could take cabaret dance classes on February 11.
Mrs Pont said while organisers wanted to step up celebrations for the 10th anniversary, they were careful to retain aspects of the festival run since its inception.
"We wanted to keep the stuff that has made it what it is today," she said.
A new fixture would open the festival on the evening of Thursday, February 25, when sponsors and others involved could view an art exhibition titled "Maniototo".
"That's about bringing to the fore the creative side of the Maniototo.
"There are so many hidden talents out there," Mrs Pont said.
On Saturday, February 27, Ranfurly's main streets would be closed to traffic while market stalls, vendors, live entertainers, and musicians lined the pavement.
A classic car rally, procession, street party, and fashion parade would be run, while children could participate in a pool party, treasure hunt, games, and a colouring competition.
Sunday, February 28 would be an opportunity for all past and present volunteers to be thanked at a community barbecue held after an Art Deco morning church service.
Market stalls and street vendors would again be in the main street on Sunday, in a first for the festival.
Mrs Pont anticipated up to 1500 people would enjoy the programme, including annual Otago Central Rail Trail Duathlon participants staying in the Maniototo on Saturday night with their support crew.
"We are counting on very fine weather," Mrs Pont said.
