Kurow and Hakataramea partied on Saturday, celebrating ''bridging Waitaki waters'' by two new $21 million bridges across the Waitaki River which link their communities.
The south bridge was officially opened in April, the longer north bridge in June and the old twin single lane bridges demolished, but Saturday's Island Fling was to celebrate guaranteed access between the two communities which, in recent times, had become uncertain as the old 132-year-old structures closed more frequently for floods or repairs.
The magnitude of having new bridges with two lanes and a pedestrian-cycle lane was demonstrated by more than 4000 people turning out for the celebration from 11am to 4pm.
Encouraged by the New Zealand Transport Agency and the bridges' builders, McConnell Dowell Constructors, with sponsorship by community businesses, the celebration fulfilled the promise of ''a fun, family-friendly day out''.
''The day was great. We were absolutely thrilled with the turn-out,'' organising committee media liaison officer Elizabeth Hayes said.
The committee started setting up for the day at 6am, and finished cleaning up about 6pm at night.
''I looked at the big shelters and seating we had and wondered whether we would fill it - but they were most of the day,'' she said.
A lot of people enjoyed the day so much they suggested similar events in the future.
Organisers were also thankful for the weather after erratic forecasts during the week, which included cold southerly showers. The sun was out and most of the site sheltered from a strong westerly wind.
About 50 stalls provided plenty of variety for pre-Christmas shopping, and the food stalls did a roaring trade with long queues. Riverstone Kitchen's chef Bevan Smith staged some food demonstrations.
There was a North-South tug-of-war, initially the South putting the pressure on until a late addition leapt on to the end of North's rope and turned the tables. An appeal was rejected.
The day started with the official opening of some old wooden bridge spans saved from the original bridges and set up on Kurow Island with plaques containing information about both the old and new bridges.
The ribbon-cutting was done by Charlie Hayes (3) and Thomas Cochrane (9), representing the six generations of their families who have lived in the area, and Bob Watherston, representing the older generation.
After that, there was a parade of old and new vehicles across the bridges and back to the island.
Entertainment was provided by community groups, along with Jason Kerrison (from Op Shop), Bex Murray and the No Reason Band.
