For the first time in its 141-year history, the decision was made not to charge admission to the Waimate Caledonian Society’s Caledonian Games, society director John Foley said.
Organisers were unable to give a final figure for the number attending, instead estimating more than 300 spectators were present during the weekend event.
Mr Foley said he had been involved with the games in one way or another since he was born as his parents had taken the family out each year to watch the games. It is the longest continuously running event of its kind in the South Island.
He said the event had been hugely popular throughout the decades, but attendance had dropped off, and as a result society members believed they needed to do something about spectator participation.
"There used to be up to 8000 or 9000 people enjoying the games."
What had kept him involved with the games and the society over the decades, despite the game’s fluctuating popularity with the public, was a simple wish to keep the annual event going.
"Waimate gets the honour of being able to provide such an event."
The 79-year-old’s role at the games was now as a cycling judge.
"The family has kindly taken over many of my duties so my continual attendance on the podium isn’t required, but I get all the credit," he said.
The games meant a lot to Waimate and in the past they had drawn national competitors from the top of their chosen sport, just as Saturday’s event did with French inline speed skater and world champion Elton De Souza and Waimate’s Olympian cyclist Dylan Kennett, Mr Foley said.
Society president Diane Smith said Saturday’s event had been the best year for attracting spectator numbers for several years.
She said there was strong support to make the annual games free for spectators if the society could secure support through other activities such as sponsorship.
Otherwise, it was likely there would be a return to charging an entry fee for next year’s games.
