The 40th festival concluded yesterday, where the action included the sold-out Pie, Pint and Pinot event, the launch of former Lakes District Museum director David Clarke’s book, History of the Miner’s Band & The Buckingham Belles, and the traditional Shotover Country Music Club Concert.
They were the last of more than 55 events held since Wednesday, the majority of them free.
Festival co-ordinator Vanessa Williams said they also managed to avoid some of the worst of the bad weather, if only by the skin of their teeth.
Events on Friday afternoon were the worst-affected by heavy rain, which also brought snow to surrounding hills, resulting in several, including the free children’s outdoor movie, being moved into the Athenaeum Hall.
Fortunately, the weather cleared in time for all the big crowd-pullers.
That included Wednesday night’s phenomenal fireworks display on Wilcox Green, co-ordinated by Bill Falcone, let off as part of a street party to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the community event.
"It was just amazing, and we had great feedback from people, too — that was the best thing, when you ... heard all the kids and families go, ‘best fireworks ever’."
Saturday’s annual street parade also went off without a hitch, after a morning of inclement weather.
More than 40 community groups, schools, businesses and individuals entered this year’s parade, including a horse-drawn carriage, stilt walkers, vintage cars and the hugely popular traction engine, "Woozle".
Ms Williams said the community section of the parade was won by the Arrowtown Horticultural Society, with Arrowtown Preschool second and Arrowtown Scouts third.
While next year’s event was likely to revert to four days, several events, brought back to celebrate the 40th anniversary, would likely remain.
They included the Dishery Dash, a light-hearted race down Buckingham St, and the highly competitive beard-growing competition, which was ultimately won by Andy McRae.
