Horses, walkers and wagons descended on Tapanui on Saturday as the 2013 Otago Goldfields Cavalcade arrived.
The West Otago A&P Showgrounds were buzzing with activity as more than 1000 people flocked to see the ''Panning the Pomahaka'' cavalcade and enjoy a day of family entertainment.
West Otago Cavalcade committee secretary Gloria McHutchon was pleased with the day, a culmination of two and a-half year's planning.
''We've had a wonderful organising committee and the day has just been fantastic.''
Mrs McHutchon said the biggest challenge was to organise the event without set numbers of cavalcaders.
The committee had a big schedule of entertainment and the New Zealand Army Band was a huge drawcard, she said.
The cavalcade was a good way to promote Tapanui and the West Otago area, and the whole committee was thrilled with the event.
The cavalcade featured eight trails - three riding, three walking and two wagon trails.
Otago Goldfields Cavalcade co-ordinator Terry Davis said all trails had a great week, and he was ''stoked'' with Tapanui's host committee, which had organised the annual event's best afternoon of entertainment.
Mr Davis said the cavalcade had experienced its best weather yet.
''This has been the hottest week - no rain and very little wind. There are more trails with a snowstorm more often than not, even in February or March.''
The heat had caused a few issues. Some cavalcaders suffered heatstroke and a horse on one of the riding trails died of a heart attack.
Mr Davis said it was very rare for a horse to die on the cavalcade, as ''very strict'' procedures were in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both horse and rider.
All eight trails arrived in Tapanui on time, and both the community and landowners had been very supportive of the ''Panning the Pomahaka'' cavalcade.
Events included the carnival, a parade and a dinner followed by a hoedown on Saturday evening.
The 2014 Otago Goldfields Cavalcade will be hosted by Ranfurly.
