Lawrence is looking forward to a big weekend, with more than 300 people set to descend on the Tuapeka district centre to celebrate 150 years of schooling in the surrounding districts.
A weekend of activities is planned for the celebrations, which involve existing and former schools Tuapeka West, Waitahuna West, Mt Stuart, Beaumont, St Patrick's in Lawrence, and Lawrence.
Committee member Elaine Crawford said organisers were thrilled with the response - about 300 people were coming from across New Zealand and Australia.
The oldest attendee would be former Lawrence School pupil Alan Guthrie (92), of Christchurch.
Mr Guthrie was expected to travel by bus from his home in Christchurch for the celebrations.
A barber in Lawrence for many years, Mr Guthrie was also the pianist ''around the district's dances'', Mrs Crawford said.
The weekend's events included a social gathering at the Lawrence Golf Club tonight and school site and district tours tomorrow morning, followed by an official opening at Lawrence School at which former pupil Royden Somerville QC will cut a cake and unveil a plaque.
Class photos will then be taken and a tree planted.
Former Dunedin city councillor and Lawrence School pupil Colin Weatherall will speak to the 270 people attending the dinner tomorrow night.
A church service will be held on Sunday morning followed by a barbecue lunch.
A book on the district's schools was being published. Lawrence was ''looking good'' and accommodation was booked out, Mrs Crawford said.
