People from around the country are expected to descend on Oamaru for the Victorian Heritage Celebrations from November 12 as the annual event continues to grow each year.
This year, organisers hope more locals will attend events and enjoy the celebrations with the rest of the country.
''It's a great opportunity for locals to really get an understanding of what we have in North Otago in terms of heritage and why people come here,'' Oamaru Victorian Heritage Committee chairman Kevin Malcolm said.
''We're very lucky that a big group of people have recognised the potential for our district through the heritage.''
Bookings are flowing in for events of the transportation-themed celebrations, running from November 12 to 16.
From May 1, Victorian Heritage Celebrations functions and responsibilities were handed over to Tourism Waitaki to promote.
''The marketing is the key to it [and] the partnership with Tourism Waitaki is really starting to take off,'' Mr Malcolm said.
Recent national exposure of Oamaru had been great for raising the profile of the town, and, in turn, the Victorian Heritage Celebrations, he said.
''It just seems to be growing and growing. Wherever you go, more and more people are hearing about it,'' he said.
''People are looking for alternatives and there is just so much to do here.''
The First Class Passengers Ball on November 14 is sold out, with a waiting list.
Tickets are limited to 130 for the ball, due, in part, to the space required for Victorian ball dresses on the dance floor.
Other events generating a lot of interest are the Grand Tour of the Countryside and Picnic Tea, bus trips around historic Oamaru houses and the Wheeltappers and Shunters Shindig.
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher's ''grand entrance'' by traditional boat across Oamaru Harbour to Breakfast at Portside on November 14 is also expected to be popular.
Tourism Waitaki marketing manager Ian Elliott said registrations were still welcome for the Grand Street Parade, on November 15.
